Wagnerian

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to or characteristic of the composer Richard Wagner, particularly his musical style, dramatic operas, and the intense emotional expression in his works
2. Pertaining to the grand, often monumental, style of opera associated with Wagner, noted for its complex harmonies and elaborate orchestration
3. Describing elements reminiscent of Wagner's influence, encompassing themes of heroism, mythology, and the fusion of music and drama in theatrical productions

Etymology: Richard Wagner was the German composer whose operas, such as the four-part "Ring" cycle, fused music, drama and myth into one total work. His name became an adjective simply by attaching the English suffix "-ian" to it, so "Wagnerian" means "of or relating to Wagner." The suffix is itself a borrowing: it descends from Latin "-ānus" and "-iānus," which marked belonging or association, and it entered English through Latin and Old French. The word's meaning has grown beyond the man. Today it is used of any work that is grand, heroic, saturated with myth, and built on the blending of music and stage spectacle, even when the creator had no connection to Wagner at all. A film with swelling orchestral scores and gods battling over a kingdom can be called Wagnerian without anyone suggesting it was written by him.

Synonyms: dramatic, operatic, theatrical, intense, grandiose

Antonyms: subdued, understated, quiet, calm, ordinary