Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig on 22 May in 1813. the ninth child of the police officer, who died of typhus six months after the birth of Richard. The famous German composer, conductor, essayist, reformer of opera, and great music theorist. Wagner's personality is of crucial importance for the history of music. As one of the biggest artists in the field of opera in his works he laid the foundation of classical music of 20th century, especially in "Tristan and Isolde". The emphasis is on the use of leitmotifs. In his essays on the theory set "overall art" theory according to which musical drama the most perfect form of artistic expression. In Zurich created his works: Die Kunst und die Revolution (1849), Das Kunstwerk der Zukunft (1850), Oper und Drama (1851) and Eine Mitteilung an meine Freunste (in 1852).
He passed away in 1883 in Venice. His operas, writings, politics, beliefs and unorthodox lifestyle made him a controversial figure during his lifetime. We are still discussing the extent to which Wagner's views might influence the development of Nazi thought.
Giuseppe Verdi was born on 10th of October in 1813 in a village near Parma. He is the greatest composer of ripe Italian bel canto (Bel Canto). Already in its eleventh year he became organist at the local church. His musical activity began as a pianist, composer and conductor of the local Philharmonic Society of Busseto. He studied in Milan. Builds on Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini, but reflected the creative individuality. Gained an international reputation for the opera "Nabucco". Sought to harmonize the traditional Italian "opera music" with the dramatic text, given the increasing importance of the literary value of the libretto. Climaxing in the opera "Rigoletto," "Il Trovatore" and "La Traviata." A second peak reached in 1871 opera "Aida." Verdi died in Milan, where for many years he lived and worked.
Authors: Bozidar Dosenovic and Nebojsa Djumic
Publisher: Poste Srpske a.d. Banjaluka
