Richard Wagner: My Life

This autobiography offers a unique perspective on Richard Wagner's life and music, revealing personal and historical insights into the composer’s journey.

The autobiography of Richard Wagner, titled Richard Wagner: My Life, serves as a crucial primary source for understanding the life and times of this iconic composer. Written primarily for his second wife, Cosima, and his patron, King Ludwig II, the narrative spans from Wagner's birth until just before his fifty-first birthday in 1864. This reprint of the first English paperback edition offers readers a rare glimpse into Wagner's childhood and formative years, making it an essential read for any enthusiast of his work.

While Richard Wagner: My Life provides a comprehensive view of the composer’s life, it is important to note that Wagner occasionally omits or alters certain facts. He tends to gloss over his earlier relationships and presents a somewhat skewed portrayal of his marriage to Minna. Additionally, his involvement in the Dresden uprising of 1849 is downplayed. Despite these discrepancies, the autobiography remains a valuable document that captures the essence of Wagner's experiences, his relationships, and the cultural milieu of his time.

The translation featured in this edition is based on the complete version published in Munich in 1963, drawing from the original manuscript housed in the Wagner Archives in Bayreuth. Readers will find Wagner's occasional lapses in memory noted, along with references to lesser-known figures and events, enriching the context of his life story. This makes Richard Wagner: My Life not just a personal account, but a significant historical document as well.