2. Emphasis on the orchestra: Wagner's operas feature large and complex orchestras, which play a crucial role in the drama. The orchestra is not simply used to accompany the singers, but rather it is an integral part of the storytelling process. Wagner's orchestral writing is often rich, colourful, and expressive, and it helps to create a vivid and immersive sound world.
3. Gesamtkunstwerk: Wagner's operas were conceived as Gesamtkunstwerk, or total works of art. This concept refers to the idea of combining all of the elements of opera - music, drama, poetry, and visual design - into a unified and seamless experience. Wagner believed that opera should not be simply a collection of individual arias and scenes, but rather a cohesive and immersive work of art that transports the audience to another world.
4. Music dramas: Wagner's operas are often referred to as music dramas, rather than simply operas. This reflects the fact that Wagner was more interested in creating a dramatic and unified work of art than in simply showcasing beautiful music. His operas are often long and complex, and they require a great deal of concentration and involvement from the audience.
5. Influence on later composers: Wagner's operas had a profound influence on the development of classical music. His innovative use of leitmotifs, emphasis on the orchestra, and Gesamtkunstwerk concept have all been adopted by later composers, and his music continues to be admired and performed around the world.