Guide Note: Richard Wagner was a 19th century German composer and musical conductor, primarily known for his operas.
Fast Facts:
- Born: May 22, 1813 in Leipzig, Germany
- Full Name: Wilhelm Richard Wagner
- Was forced to flee Germany in 1849 after his political activities resulted in a warrant for his arrest
- Granted full pardon 2 years later
- 2nd wife was Cosima Liszt von Bülow, the daughter of Franz Liszt
- Wrote the world's longest opera,The Ring Cycle (over 18 hours)
- Wagner could barely play the piano
- Narrowly avoided debtor's prison several times
- Died: February 13, 1883 of a heart attack in Venice, Italy
