Richard Wagner’s concept of the “Gesamtkunstwerk,” often translated as the “total artwork” or “complete artwork,” stands as one of the most influential and revolutionary ideas in the history of Western music and theatre.

Wagner (1813-1883), a 19th-century German composer, conductor, and writer, believed in the unification of all arts to create a singular and all-encompassing theatrical experience. This concept went beyond conventional operatic performances, seeking to combine music, drama, poetry, visual arts, and stage design into a cohesive and immersive whole. By doing so, Wagner sought to heighten the emotional impact and artistic depth of his works, aiming to transport the audience into a realm of heightened aesthetic experience.

The idea of the Gesamtkunstwerk began to take shape in Wagner’s mind during the early 1840s when he was grappling with the limitations of contemporary operatic conventions. He was dissatisfied with the compartmentalisation of opera, where music, libretto (the text), and staging were treated as separate entities, often resulting in a disconnection between the elements. Wagner envisioned a profound synthesis where each artistic component would serve the whole, reinforcing the emotional and intellectual impact of the performance.

To realise his vision, Wagner wrote extensively about the concept in essays like “Art and Revolution” (1849) and “Opera and Drama” (1851). In these writings, he articulated his theories and proposed radical changes to opera’s structure and performance. One key aspect of Wagner’s concept was the central role of music in unifying the elements. He believed that music, with its ability to evoke emotions and shape the audience’s perception, should guide the drama and be the driving force of the artwork. This approach contrasted with traditional opera, where the music was often seen as a decorative accompaniment to the singing.

The visual and spatial aspects also played a crucial role in Wagner’s concept. He collaborated closely with stage designers, developing innovative staging techniques and employing elaborate sets to enhance the dramatic impact of his works. Wagner’s ideas significantly influenced theatre design and production practices, pioneering concepts still used today.

Wagner’s Festspielhaus

Wagner’s quest for unity also extended beyond the boundaries of the traditional opera house. He envisioned a purpose-built theatre, which he referred to as the “Festspielhaus,” designed specifically for the performance of his music dramas. The Bayreuth Festspielhaus, completed in 1876, was the realisation of his vision. The theatre was designed with acoustics and sightlines optimised for the Gesamtkunstwerk, ensuring an immersive experience for the audience.

While Wagner’s concept was groundbreaking and influential, it was also met with criticism and controversy. Some critics argued that the emphasis on music and the subjugation of other arts compromised the individual artistic integrity of each component. Others questioned the feasibility of such an ambitious undertaking, both artistically and logistically.

Regardless of the debates surrounding Wagner’s concept, its impact on the development of Western music and theatre cannot be overstated. Many subsequent composers, directors, and artists drew inspiration from Wagner’s ideas, further exploring the integration of different art forms, as well as in the development of modern multimedia performances and installations. A recent example of this can be found in the music videos of the British production duo, Jungle, which I appreciate might, at first glance, seem like a giant leap—but bear with me!

A contemporary example

After the success of their 2021 album, Loving In Stereo, Jungle has returned with the latest singles, Dominoes, ​​Candle Flame, I’ve Been in Love and Back on 74, from their upcoming fourth studio album. The opening sequence of Dominoes shows the duo sitting in a retro production control room that displays numerous music videos from their upcoming album. This in itself is a subtle hint towards how they view their individual works as being part of a larger whole. And yet, the ‘doughnuts’ reference suggests they’re not taking themselves—or all of this—too seriously (which is never a bad thing in my opinion!).

Whilst watching these videos it’s worth considering the levels of creativity, collaboration and technical proficiency that have gone into creating a larger vision than just the music. There are obvious qualities such as the track itself (the production value alone is worthy of close study), together with the stunning choreography of the dancers. Yet look closer and consider the cinematography; the framing moves seamlessly in and out with the dancers and set design, all shot in a single take. It makes the viewer feel as if they are a part of this immersive experience. Consider the lighting and how this shifts with the music, the dancers, the set design and the use of different spaces throughout the videos. How the wardrobe, makeup artists and stylists have all worked seamlessly together to help support the overall aesthetics and narrative of the tracks.

In relation to their last album, Jungle wrote:

‘Loving In Stereo’ is the focal point of the wider Jungle experience, in which music, aesthetics and choreography co-exist as one distinctive artistic vision. Each song has a music video to accompany it, forming a complete narrative universe and blend of startling choreography, urban locations and street style that have become essential hallmarks of Jungle’s visual aesthetic.

Indeed many of their music videos can be ‘stitched’ together into two or three tracks—extending both the narrative and the experience. Their next album, due to be released on August 11 is titled, Volcano, with the official trailer having the subtitle of ‘The Original Motion Picture & Soundtrack’—does this suggest they might take this a step further with an entire album of related videos (a re-return to the concept album, perhaps, but utilising other art forms such as choreography, lighting, and set design)? Their latest single which was released via Social in collaboration with WeTransfer included interactive digital artwork that could be downloaded by the viewer as they clicked on it throughout the video. All of this signifies the creative and imaginative ways in which art—in all of its forms—continues to transcend, evolve and inspire.

Wagner’s concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk, the total artwork, revolutionised the world of opera and theatre by seeking to unify music, drama, poetry, visual arts, and stage design into a cohesive and immersive experience. His visionary ideas, as articulated in his writings and exemplified in his music dramas, continue to resonate with artists and audiences alike, shaping the course of artistic expression and performance to this day.

If you or your loved ones are interested in learning more about how music ‘works’, get in touch today to find out how we can help.

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