Richard Wagner

Throughout Richard Wagner's very full life he managed to delve into conducting, composing, directing and essay writing. His talent and intelligence led him to become one of the most well respected operatic composers of his generation. Wagner was not impervious to baneful human distractions, however, and during his early adult life he managed to rack up an impressive amount of debt. Luckily, one of Wagner's biggest fans was King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Using the power of the crown, the King managed to settle all of Wagner's debts, even gainfully employing him as a composer. During this period of time, Wagner wrote some of his most impressive work, although due to scandal, Wagner had to leave Bavaria and move to Switzerland.