author
Robert C. Bagar
1899–1957
A lively American music writer, critic, and pianist, he helped make opera and symphonic music more approachable for general listeners. His books on Wagner and concert music reflect a practical ear, deep musical training, and a gift for clear explanation.
1 Audiobook
Wagner and His Music-Dramas
by Robert C. Bagar
About the author
Born in New York City in 1899, Robert C. Bagar built a varied career around music. He studied music privately from childhood, later attended Fordham University, and also spent time in medical and law studies before focusing his professional life on performance and writing. He worked as a pianist as well as a critic and commentator on music.
Bagar became known for writing about classical music in a way that welcomed non-specialist readers. He was associated with the New York World-Telegram as a music critic, and he also served as a program annotator for the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Society. His books include Wagner on Records, Wagner and His Music-Dramas, and the widely noted reference work The Concert Companion, co-written with Louis Biancolli.
He died in 1957. Remembered today as both a working musician and an interpreter of music for the public, Bagar stands out for bridging performance, criticism, and music education in mid-20th-century America.