Wagnerian

comparative more Wagnerian · superlative most Wagnerian

1. Of, or characteristic of Richard Wagner, or his music; (by extension) of epic dimensions.

   Clearly, Hitler saw his historical function as a Wagnerian grand opera. Vast cosmic changes required an accompaniment of slaughter on a colossal scale.

   1949 September 4, H. R. Trevor-Roper, “Hitler Reappraised, Ten Years After”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 16 Jul 2025

   2 more examples

   It is a glossy film with gross, opulent opticals and little comic, or any, relief; it has the jaundiced complexion of an early 60s underground film, which it is; it is ponderous, Wagnerian, and feels about five hours long (its running time is about an hour).

   1976 August 14, Gary Jane Hoisington, “Locker Room As The Site Of Religious Ecstasy”, in Gay Community News, volume 4, number 7, page 9

   Thus Gilgamesh and Enkidu as a dyad express a Wagnerian leitmotif that plays upon themes from racial memories of the two different races at the dawn of hominization.

   1981, William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture, London: Rider/Hutchinson & Co., page 188

plural Wagnerians

1. An admirer of Richard Wagner.

   Synonyms: Wagnerite

2. A musician who plays Wagnerian music.
3. An opera singer who specializes in Wagnerian roles.