DO you think Richard Wagner and John WIlliams have a similar style? Is so, how are they similar?

Question

bearcat, while I mostly agree with your point, I do see SOME similarity. I'd have appreciated a more complex answer on your part, speaking of complexity. AND yes, I know of Wagner's complexity. I just performed Liszt's transcription of the Tannhauser (sorry I don't know how to type an Umlaut) Overture a week ago in a solo recital. Quite draining.
r.a.
pianist, saxophonist, teacher

Answer 1

John Williams draws heavily on his filmscore predecessors. Richard Wagner tried very hard ( and succeeded) to develop something no one had yet done.
Perhaps you are tempted to compare the two because of the use of the full orchestra, notably the brass section.
Wagner was highly innovative in his use of brass, even causing the invention of a new instrument,( known as the Wagner tuba, no less) to fill in the brass sound.
I suggest you go back to some of the film scores of the 30s and 40s to get an idea of where Williams learned his trade.

Answer 2

No. While John Williams writes some entertaining music it has neither the depth nor the structural complexity of Wagner's work.

Musician, composer, teacher.

Answer 3

I can only think of one thing where Wagner and Williams are similar apart from that both are/were masters of their particular craft. But Williams has usefully adopted Wagner's 'leitmotiv' technique which links characters with certain musical themes (it makes film-music writing a little easier) and so that is my humble contribution.

Answer 4

No. I see little similarity in their work. Williams work is far less original and the influences of earlier composers is obvious in his music. Wagner's music is highly original.

Answer 5

I like both composers ...

But Wagner has SO much more depth, originality and talent.

Williams write good melodys - had wonderful color in the way he composes .... but he is not breaking any new ground in anything he does.