Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner was a German chorus master, opera conductor, writer, librettist, critic, skilled debater and composer especially noted for his Romantic operas. His operas, such as "Tristan und Isolde," demand vocal strength and endurance from vocalists. Wagner was one of the most influential composers of the 19th century but his life wasn't free of controversy, including bad debts and affairs with married women.

Music Education in the News: The Amador Student Music Fund was created by a nonprofit group in an effort to help save the music programs in their district.

This Day in Music History: 1980 - The song "Sailing" by Christopher Cross topped the Billboard pop chart.