Richard Wagner (1813-83) redefined opera and had an overwhelming impact on German and western culture. His major works include Lohengrin, Tannhauser, Tristan and Isolde, Parzival and the four parts of The Ring of the Nibelung: The Rhinegold, The Valkyrie, Siegfried and Twilight of the Gods. John Deathridge is one of the world's most respected experts on the life and work of Richard Wagner. He is Emeritus King Edward Professor of Music at King's College London. In a long career he has taught music both in the United States and United Kingdom and been active as a conductor, organist and piano accompanist, as well as making innumerable radio and television appearances to discuss music. He is a specialist in 19th and 20th century German music and the work of Theodor Adorno.
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