W
Wagner, Richard (1813-1883) German composer and conductor known for his use of chromaticism, leitmotifs (short musical themes depicting a certain character, emotion, plot element, or location), and orchestration in his many operas, especially his four-opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen. He produced most of his operas in the opera house he built, the Bayreuth Festspielhaus. He was a major influence on all composers who followed him.
Wagner tuba Brass instrument invented by Richard Wagner that combines the elements of both the tuba and the horn. Invented to meet the needs of Wagner’s four operas in the cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen, this instrument uses rotary valves and is pitched in the keys of B♭ and F.
wah-wah pedal Invented in 1966, a ...
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