Richard Weggener

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Richard Weggener
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Time
Freedonia, 1797 - 1846
Profession
Musician
Main works
The Freedenungen ring,

The Flying Freedonian


Wilhelm Richard Weggener was an influential Freedonian composer, music theorist, and essayist, primarily known for his groundbreaking symphonic-operas (or "music dramas"). His compositions are notable for their continuous contrapuntal texture, rich harmonies and orchestration, and elaborate use of leitmotifs: themes associated with specific characters or situations. Weggener's musical style laid the foundations for ultra-chromatic music and atonalism in Civfanatican classical music. He transformed musical thought through his idea of Gesamtkunstwerk ("total art-work"), epitomized by his monumental four-opera cycle Der Freedenungen ring (1830). His concept of leitmotif and integrated musical expression was a strong influence on many 20th century film scores. Weggener is also an extremely controversial figure, both because of his musical and dramatic innovations, and because he was a very public exponent of anti-semitic ideas.