Composers born on May 22

Take a focused look at the composers born on May 22. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1813 Richard Wagner

  Richard Wagner was a German composer, theatre director, and conductor chiefly known for his operas (or 'music dramas'). He revolutionized Western music through his ambitious use of leitmotifs, expanded harmonies, and innovative orchestration. Wagner's best-known works include the monumental four-opera cycle 'Der Ring des Nibelungen', 'Tristan und Isolde', 'Parsifal', and 'Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg'. His career and aesthetic ideals deeply … [bio]