From the Archives - Not your usual Wagner

By Frank Byrne,

Sam Wisman

Published March 30, 2026 at 10:17 AM CDT

Richard Wagner is known for his over-the-top operatic spectacles. But earlier in his life, he composed other music that shows his budding talent and a different side of this legendary and complex genius.

Compositions and Recordings

Piano Sonata in Bb, Op. 1
by Richard Wagner
Bruce Hungerford, piano

Symphony in E major
by Richard Wagner
Hiroshi Wakasugi and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony

Trauersinfonie on themes of Weber
by Richard Wagner
John Bourgeois and the United States Marine Band

From the Archives with Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne is the host of From the Archives.

Sam Wisman

Sam Wisman is Production Director for 91.9 Classical KC and a backup announcer for KCUR 89.3