Richard Wagner was a German composer and conductor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers in the history of music. His music and ideas revolutionized the way people thought about music and opera, and his influence can still be felt today. Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1813. His family was musical, and he showed an early talent for music, composing his first work at the age of 13. He studied at the Leipzig Conservatory and later in Dresden, where he developed his interest in opera. Wagner's early operas were heavily influenced by the works of Beethoven and Weber, but he quickly developed his own unique style, characterized by complex harmonies, chromaticism, and innovative use of orchestration.

One of Wagner's most significant contributions to music was his development of the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art. This concept held that music, drama, poetry, and visual elements should be combined into a seamless whole, with each art form serving the overall artistic vision. This approach to composition had a profound impact on the development of opera and musical theater, and its influence can be seen in the works of many later composers.

Perhaps the most famous of Wagner's music dramas is his four-opera cycle, "The Ring of the Nibelung." It is a masterwork of musical storytelling, and its themes of power, corruption, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences today.

Wagner's music remains some of the most frequently performed and recorded in the classical music repertoire. His influence can be heard in the works of countless composers, from Mahler and Strauss to John Williams and Hans Zimmer. Wagner's music and ideas continue to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.