Today
let’s talk about a highly influential German opera composer: Richard Wagner.
Wagner believed in the synthesis of music and drama into one “total artwork.”
Detailing the staging, lighting, costuming, music, acting, etc. in his
scores/librettos (yes he wrote the text and music to his operas!), Wagner
coined the term “Gesamtkunstwerk” (total artwork) to describe his creations.
Another
important musical term used in reference to Wagner’s operas is “leitmotif”
(leading motive). This word is used to describe main themes throughout the
opera that typically represent a specific person, object, etc. This theme
occurs in various contexts throughout the opera, and though recognizable, it is
varied or transformed in different ways to best depict the current point in the
drama. Certain instruments, keys, or harmonies may also be used in connection
with various leitmotifs in order to help the listener make the connection.
Wagner’s
Ring cycle is an excellent example of
a work using leitmotifs to connect music and drama in this Gesamtkunstwerk
idea. During these four operas, Wagner introduces various leitmotifs that
reappear throughout the cycle. Constantly using this thematic material, Wagner
makes these musical ideas integral to the drama on stage. Take a look at this
informative video by members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra brass section
in which they describe several uses of the leitmotif in the Ring cycle.
Wagner
had an incredible influence on composers to come after him. His leitmotif ideas
have even found their way into film and television scores, composers using
certain musical ideas to depict specific elements on screen. One great example
of this is the “shark theme” found in Jaws.
Do
you have a favorite Wagner opera? Have you noticed the use of leitmotifs in any
of your favorite movies or television shows?
