The Life and Works of Richard Wagner (Richard Wagner)

A film biography of the 100th Anniversary of the birth of The Great Master.

Part One: His youth.

Eight years old, Richard Wagner is present at the death of his stepfather, Ludwig Geyer, whose last words are: "Will Richard be musically gifted?"

Two years later, Richard spends an important night in Leipzig with his Uncle Adolf an Aunt Frederike, sleeping in the ceremonial bed of August "the Strong" in the home of Jeannette Thomé.

At the age of 17, Wagner studies with Cantor Weinlich in Leipzig.

At a celebratory dinner by Polish revolutionaries fleeing to Paris, Wagner discovers his talent for conducting.

In 1834 Wagner, now 21 years of age, takes on his first employment as conductor at Lauchtstädt - as he had fallen in love at first sight, with the beautiful Minna Planer, the star of the theatre company.

The conductor gets engaged to the Minna Planer - under extraordinary circumstances.

On 24. November 1836, Wagner leads his wife into their future home. To furnish it, Wagner has incurred substantial debts, which is a great source of worry to the the practical Minna.

Invoice For the esteemed conductor Wagner at Königsberg for furnishing a domicile: 247 Reichstaler Blankenstein, Furniture Maker.

Part Two: Years of constant travelling

Wagner is pursued by his creditios as far as Riga, where he has, since 1838, become conuctor of the Theatre. As he doesn't possess a passport, he is forced to escape in secret.

Dear Wagner, Return fortwith! The police are in your house, Minna is in despair. Your friend Möller.

In 1839, he lees from Russia by sea to Paris.

The tumultuous journey by sea gives him the ideas for his "The Flying Dutchman".

In Paris, Wagner plays his opera "Rienzi" for the composer Meyerbeer, who gives him a letter of recommendation to the Director of the Grand Opera.

My exteemed Duponchel! Herewith I recommend to you the young Wagner and his opera "Rienzi". Please take on its production! The opera is brilliant! Meyerbeer.

Meyerbeer's letter of recommendation, however, has no effect on Director Duponchel.

Wagner visit the composer Liszt in his hotel to get support, likewise without success.

Wagner is increasingly in need of help. "The Flying Dutchman" is tormenting his spirit, and Minna's complaints are leading him to despair. He close to breaking-point...

Leipzig 26. February 1842 Dear Richard! I have just been informed that your opera "Rienzi" has been accepted by the Royal Court Opera in Dresden. Come here at once; I enclose the money for your journey Your brother in law, Brockhaus.

On 20. October 1842, Wagner's "Rienzi" is performed by the Royal Opera in Dresden and is a resounding success.

At the age of 30, Richard Wagner becomes the Royal Court conductor in Dresen.

In an optimistic mood, he furnishes his house luxuriously, which again instils fear and trepidation in Minna.

On 2. January 1843, however, Wagner's position is severely unnerved by the premiere of "The Flying Dutchman" which is a fiasco.

This and other new worries affect his musical endeavours.

Complaints about Wagner lead the Intendant Von Lüttichau to admonish him sternly and to inform him of the King's displeasure.

To our Indentant Our conductor Wagner appears to have formed the opinion by overestimating his own talent, that he is on a par with the great Meyerbeer.

Consequently, he has made such grave mistakes that it would certainly be worth considering to ask him to offer his resignation.

On the other hand, his zeal and extraordinary achievements, which have been brought to our notice, warrant giving him another chance.

In which case, attention should most certainly be paid to his material cirumstances. Augustus Rex.

On 10. October 1845, to compound this disaster, his opera "Tannhäuser", due poor attendance, is also a flop.

In this same period, Wagner is exchanging ideas about his musical reforms with the Russian revolutionary, Bakunin, who was staying in Dresden at this time.

The Royal Court conductor carried away by the prevailing excitement, is led to speak at a political gathering about freedom of art and the freedom of mankind.

Wagner openly takes part in the subsquent riots in Dresden in 1849.

Thanks to a coincidence, he avoids being taken prisoner, and manages to flee, unlike his fellow revolutionaries of the Preliminary Revolutionary Government, Hübner, Martin and Bakunin, who arrested and tried.

Liszt in Weimar provides Wagner with a false passport and the necessary money, enabling him to cross the Swiss border.

Warrant for Arrest The Royal Court conductor Richard Wagner, described below, due to appear in court for his part in the havoc played out in this town, is on the run.

Therefore, the police requested to arrest the said Wagner immediately if and when he re-enters the country.