CHAPTER I.

1813-1821

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“The child is father to the man”--Musician, poet, and dramatist--Stage reformer--His grandfather a customs officer--His father, Frederick Wagner, an officer of police, student, and amateur actor--Death of Frederick, 1813--His mother--Eldest brother, Albert, a tenor singer--Sisters Rosalie, Louisa, and Clara, actresses of repute--Ludwig Geyer, a Leipzic actor--Marries Widow Wagner--Family removes to Dresden--Affection of his step-father and mother for him--The girls receive piano-forte lessons--Richard receives a few lessons in drawing from Geyer--Beyond this, up to his ninth year, no regular education is attempted with him--Geyer not of a robust constitution--Wagner plays the bridal chorus from “Der Freischütz” by ear--Geyer’s prediction and death.....1