Definition of: Wagnerism

(väg′nə·riz′əm) noun
The theory of Richard Wagner regarding music drama, as exemplified in the construction and rendition of his own works. Its chief point, especially that in which it differs from the method of the old Italian composers of opera, is its abundant use of the leitmotif for cumulative dramatic effect and its insistence on the equal participation of music, both vocal and orchestral, poetry, scenic effect, and dramatic action, no one of these being subordinate.