The Cost Of Healthcare And Healthcare - 1380 Words

The cost of healthcare and healthcare spending is a key component of any developed economy in that with good facilities there is a good source of human resource. Considerate health spending leads to the development of medical technologies and drugs hence satisfying fundamental social and individual demands for services that brings greater productivity, improved health, and longer lives. As compared to other sectors of the economy in the USA, health care is publicly funded. According to Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) public spending in the United States of America accounted for almost half of total spending in the year 2011 as compared to 60-80 percent in other developed countries. The American society is currently grappling with exorbitant health care charges that have plagued the public; the high cost of health care services has been an issue that the ruling class has been grappling with. It has taken both political and social dimensions especially with the agitation of the Obamacare health plan when Senator Obama came into power. The focus of this discourse, though, is not to get into the political and social vagaries of the healthcare system, but rather to focus on the salient issues related to affordable care act (ACA) the American republic. Affordable Care Act (ACA) or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) The act, which is often nicknamed Obamacare, is the new health care reform law in America that is made up of the patientShow MoreRelatedHealthcare Costs1989 Words   |  8 PagesCosts Of Healthcare Christine Amargo HCA305 The U.S. Health Care System Sherry Grover June 9, 2014 Everyone wants to have access to health care and in order to access it they need insurance, but unfortunately not everyone can afford health insurance. The United States spends more money on health care than any other country, but raise the cost of health insurance to the citizens. Health care should be affordable if the government is willing to spend as much money as they are on it. Health insuranceRead MoreCost And Quality Of Healthcare1082 Words   |  5 PagesCost and Quality in Healthcare When it comes to improving healthcare, one must be focused not only on quality but also on cost. The question is then raised: Will higher cost result in higher quality care or will higher quality care help control costs? It is no secret that healthcare is incredibly expensive in the United States. Despite healthcare in the United States being 50 – 200% more expensive that in other economically developed countries, life expectancy rates and quality indicator scoresRead MoreThe Rising Cost of Healthcare1217 Words   |  5 PagesThe Rising Cost of Healthcare There is no doubt that healthcare cost are rising out of control. No one likes the increases, but it is far more understandable when considering all the reasons for these increases. American people look at their insurance bills, co-pays and drug costs, and cant understand why they continue to increase. The insured should consider all of these reasons before getting upset. Read MoreThe Rising Cost Of Healthcare1701 Words   |  7 Pagesrising cost of healthcare is a huge problem in America today. In this paper I will analyze the different issues and causes for the increase in cost. There are many problems with healthcare in America today. One of them including the astronomical cost. According to CDC.ORG in 2007 the average person spends seven thousand four hundred dollars per year on health care alone. This rise in healthcare is extremely detrimental for families, seniors, and people of all ages. With such a high cost of insuranceRead MoreThe Cost Of Healthcare System1713 Words   |  7 PagesCost, the number one thing on people’s mind nowadays. People’s worry about the cost of healthcare usually leads to them being uninsured. For my healthcare system, I want it to publicly funded by public taxes (private donations are always welcome), similar to how healthcare in Europe is modeled. For check ups and routine things, the cost of those visits will be covered, if one visits a preferred doctor provided by the healthcare company. But if the medical expenses go over a certain amount, the patientRead MoreRising of Healthcare Cost766 Words   |  4 Pag esof Healthcare Costs Over the past 30 years, the American healthcare system has been afflicted by the continuous rise of healthcare cost. One of the reasons for the increase in healthcare cost is that in today’s society people are living longer lives than they did in the past and the prevalence rates of contracting chronic diseases and developing life threatening injuries are causing the United States healthcare system to suffer a financial crisis. Another reason for the rise in healthcare costRead MoreThe Health Costs Of Healthcare950 Words   |  4 Pageshealth expenditure, it has the highest healthcare expenditure. However, the US lies among the most developed nations that do not provide healthcare for all people. It is known that healthy people cause less costs to the economy when compared to sick people. The issue of the healthcare costs is one of the significant challenges that are facing the US healthcare system. However, there are a lot of efforts that are being made, in a bid to cut the costs of healthcare in the US system. One of the most commonRead MoreThe High Cost Of Healthcare1484 Words   |  6 PagesThe high cost of healthcare continues to rise and many in the United States are optimistic for health information technology to reduce and improve our current situation. Health IT encompasses a broad array of new technologies designed to manage and share health-related information. When properly implemented, these systems can help coordinate patient care, reduce medical errors, and improve administrative efficiency. Therefore, implementing a Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) willRead MoreControlling The Costs Of Healthcare1349 Words   |  6 PagesControlling the costs of healthcare benefits is something that takes quite a bit of skill from organizations. Companies can either cut costs by using an Alternative Pharmacy Network (APN), outsourcing through business-process outsourcing (BPO), or hiring more contingent workers than non-contingent workers. The health insurance benefit shou ld be both affordable and able to cover the needs of the organization’s employees. By obtaining affordable health care coverage for its employees an organizationRead MoreObesity and Healthcare Cost1624 Words   |  7 PagesThe intent of this paper is to explore the correlation between obesity and increased cost to companies for their healthcare coverage of all employees. Our hypothesis is that obesity is increasing the cost of healthcare company wide due to obesity and the diseased associated with this epidemic. Our null hypothesis is that the effects and treatment of obesity is not having a direct impact on the total healthcare cost of organizations. Obesity has both direct and indirect effects. Direct effects we

Dissociative Amnesia Essay - 1544 Words

Sometimes when people experience a traumatic event in their life they will psychologically remove themselves from the event or dissociate themselves from it by forgetting that it occurred. In the article, â€Å"Dissociative Amnesia: A Case with Management Challenges† written by Priti Singh the author’s goal is to better understand the psychopathology of the disorder. Singh explains that, â€Å"Dissociation is a neurotic defense reaction which temporarily but drastically modifies a person’s character or sense of personal identity to avoid emotional distress.† When a person goes through something traumatic such as a war experience or childhood sexual abuse they may dissociate themselves from the event as a coping mechanism. Singh goes on†¦show more content†¦Regarding Fery’s work the author writes, â€Å"Since the 19th century, her experiences have been viewed as one of the earliest known cases of dissociative identity disorder; however, at the time her experiences were seen as possession† (Goldsmith). After what science now understands, one can look back on these writings and find evidence of the disorder even though the disorder may have been perceived as possession or other issues. More currently, in the 19th Century science has investigated this disorder by looking at veterans of war. Singh writes, â€Å"In 1970s, the interest in dissociation revived as a result of various studies relating the effects of psychological trauma, especially among Vietnam War veterans presenting with dissociation as a natural protective defense against trauma.† Since a great deal of Vietnam veterans came back with psychological issues, it became an important and relevant issue in the psychiatric world in the seventies. Also, the awareness of sexual abuse has increased over the past several years making it a continued topic of interest among psychologist. Overtime, there is evidence of this disorder, and overtime, science h as been able to better understand the disorder. Secondly, the characteristics of Dissociative Amnesia may include various psychological aspects. Singh reports that, â€Å"Dissociative amnesia is characterized by inability to recall important autobiographicalShow MoreRelatedThe Portrayal Of Mental Illness1972 Words   |  8 Pagesmodern times communication to the public about mental illness comes in a variety of ways, some accurate and some not. Movies are an example of a medium which has high potential for erroneous depictions of these and are also widely publicised. This essay will look at the movie The Bourne Identity (Liman, 2002) and whether or not the depiction of mental illness in the protagonist has accuracy, or is an example of misinformation about the reality which many people suffer through. The movie begins withRead MorePsychological Disorders And Therapy Methods1223 Words   |  5 PagesPsychological Disorders and Therapies Different types of psychological disorders and therapy methods will be discussed in this essay. Psychological disorders are categorized and defined in the â€Å"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders† (DSM). The most recent edition of the DSM is the DSM-V published in May, 2013. (1) The methods of therapy utilized for the treatment of psychological disorders are dependent on the training of the therapist and the most appropriate method of treatmentRead MoreIndividuals with PTSD and The Effects on the Brain: A Research Study535 Words   |  2 Pagesexhaustive of, anger, fear, dissociative states, amnesia and negative cognition (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). PTSD research is now able to explain certain changes in the brain which affect these behaviours. In this essay focus will be given to these brain changes and which behaviours they affect in PTSD patients. It is widely accepted that the hippocampus manages memory retrieval. PTSD can cause amnesia involving the event itself or dissociative states where the patient re-livesRead MoreMultiple Personality Disorder Essay1635 Words   |  7 Pagesexistence of this disease and its origins, causes and effects on the people in who suffer with it. This essay will clearly define Multiple Personality Disorder along with a detailed synopsis of the disease itself. The diagnosis, alter personalities, different treatments and views will indicate the disease is real. The American Psychiatric Association named Multiple Personality Disorder in 1994 Dissociative Disorder. Multiple Personality Disorder is diagnosed when a person has two or more personalitiesRead MoreThe Personality Disorder : Sybil s Story Of Commercial Artist Shirley Ardell Mason840 Words   |  4 PagesSybil’s reaction, a character in a novel, when she found herself in a restaurant in Philadelphia after she fainted in college. Confused, she returned home to find people referring to her as someone else. In this famous novel, Sybil was diagnosed with Dissociative identity disorder (D.I.D.). It is a mental disorder that falls under the dissociation spectrum, and was known previously as the multiple personality disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), it is a severe condition ofRead MoreDissociative Identity Disorder1900 Words   |  8 PagesAcademic Assignment: Dissociative Identity Disorder and its representation in the media This essay will look at Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and its portrayal in the media. DID was formally known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD).This essay will cover the symptoms of DID, the criteria used for diagnosis, causes and triggers of disorder, how the disorder is portrayed in the media and the reality of the disorder for sufferers. According to the (American Psychiatric Association DiagnosticRead MoreRepressed Memories5487 Words   |  22 Pagesfor both the development and treatment of neurotic disorders (Breuer and Freud, 1895), an evaluation of repression necessitates examining clinical evidence that assesses the utility of this concept in the understanding of neurosis. In the ensuing essay, the above-mentioned concepts will be evaluated and critically discussed in order to arrive at a more acute understanding of the existence/non-existence of repression. Thereafter, these findings with respect to their impact and significance on interviewingRead MorePysch Exam Chapter 811814 Words   |  48 Pages15 Alabama counties, mixed in with 15 counties from other states. â€Å"Ok, pick out the Alabama counties,† Rory challenges Ron. Which method does Rory’s test use? a. rehearsal b. recognition c. reminiscence d. recall Answer: b; Moderate 19. An essay question is a _________ test of memory; a multiple-choice question is a __________. a. recall; recall test also b. recall; recognition test c. recall; relearning test d. recognition; recognition test also Answer: b; Easy 20. â€Å"Discuss several factors

Discuss How Theories of Human Growth and Development Can Help Understand Human Behaviour free essay sample

Discuss how theories of human growth and development can help understand human behaviour. Human growth and development is studied and researched with differing perspectives. There are many ways human growth and development can be looked at. Certain disciplines, such as, biology, psychology and sociology all have opposing viewpoints on the subject. The psychological viewpoint concentrates on the different processes of the mind, whereas, the biological approach is centred on genetics and environmental factors. The sociological viewpoint, however, focuses on individual thoughts and feelings as being socially constructed (Beckett and Taylor, 2010). Human growth and development is researched across the whole lifespan, however, for this essay I will be focusing on the early years of child development. Furthermore, human growth and development studies consist of various different theories; I will be discussing several of these theories whilst paying particular attention to Bowlby’s attachment theory. Human growth and development is important for social work practice as children and adolescence may show behaviour difficulties and when coming to assess, it is key to have an understanding of the norm development of a child of a certain age, also, what behaviours may be observed as being abnormal. It can also be seen as important for communication purposes. For example, being able to understand a child’s stage of development will make you more attuned to the understanding of how they are communicating and what the best way will be in making a response. Firstly, I am to introduce Bowlby’s attachment theory (Bowlby 1969). Bowlby’s attachment theory was based on the idea that subject- object relations are shaped by our initial relationship with our primary care giver, this usually to be the mother (Beckett and Hillary 2010). According to Bowlby, children are biologically pre- programmed to form attachments in order to help them survive. Children have an innate ability to attach to their main care giver (Sean Mcleod 2007). This is gained through attachment behaviours and gestures to maintain proximity to carers. For example the child may cry or at a later stage smile and make eye contact and express body gestures to gain attention from the primary care giver. It was believed by Bowlby that the care giver will instinctively respond to the child; creating reciprocal interaction. Bowlby believed that attachment behaviours are instinctive and the child will express these behaviours when the child feels threatened by the achievement of proximity, such as separation, insecurity and fear (McLeod 2007). According to Ainsworth (1967, p. 29) attachment is more than evident behaviour but it is internal, ‘being built into the nervous system, in the course and as a result of the infant’s experience of his transactions with the mother’ Following Bowlby’s suggestion, the limbic system; A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain that controls the basic emotions and drives (Wikipedia) has been suggested to be the site of developmental changes associated with the rise of a ttachment behaviours (Anders amp; Zeanah, 1984, cited in, attachment and human development). The lifespan period from 7 to 15 months has been shown to be critical for the myelination; for the proper functioning of the nervous system (Schore, 2010). Additionally, Attachment theory is able to be used within the practice of social work. The knowledge of attachment behaviour can signify when an individual is experiencing stress. Furthermore, the understanding of Bowlby’s attachment theory and other human growth and development theories can help with the framework for assessments. To understand service users and to make sense of ourselves and respond appropriately and effectively, we need to have the basis of the understanding of why people behave as they do under stress and difficulty (Howe, 1995). For example a 12 year old boy may be extremely angry and behaving recklessly. Is there a connection between the behaviour and the quality of early relationships? (Howe, 1995) On the other hand, research has shown that resilient theory can be used in order to overcome the effects of poor quality relationships in childhood (Howe, 1995). For example, according to Hart, Blincow and Thomas, resilient therapy may help a child in gaining good relationships with family and friends by tapping into good influences and finding place for that child to belong. Resilient therapy recognises the importance of attachment theory and aims for the affected child to feel a sense of family cohesion. According to Hart, Blincow and Thomas,in providing a resilient mechanism, two things are achieved. Firstly, a sense of belonging, as this is protective and gives children a secure base to attend; psychologically, when feeling under threat. Secondly, with children experiencing a self of belonging somewhere, they are better equipped in facing rejection elsewhere. Further to the attachment theory, Bowlby derived the term maternal deprivation, (Bowlby, 1959). Bowlby identified the first two years of a child’s life as the most critical time for bonding. Bowlby hypothesised that if there was a lack of parent and caregiver bonding by the age of 2 then maternal deprivations may result in the child suffering psychological damages that may be irreversible. According to Bowlby, children who suffered maternal deprivation at a young age may often become incapable of expressing empathetic emotions and affection later into their adult life. In addition to Bowlbys ideas; a collaborating psychologist; Mary Ainsworth (1978) expanded upon the attachment theory with her own study known as the ‘strange situation’. This was an experiment carried out by Ainsworth whereby, children between the ages of 12 and 18 months were joined with their mother is a playful environment and then left alone when their mother would leave the room and then be reunited back with their mother. The research was seen as reliable and took into account various variables; such as, the home environment, relationships, the level of bonding between child and caregiver and the way in which the care giver responded when re-entering the room and also how the caregiver responded with absence and the effect this had on the child and how emotions were displayed. Ainsworth believed that Bowlby’s ideas were too set in stone and believed that there may be individual differences in attachment. Ainsworth set upon her research into individual attachments. Ainsworth study identified three main areas of attachment; secure attachment, anxious- avoidant insecure attachment and anxious- ambivalent- insecure attachment. Main and Soloman (1986) later founded the insecure disorganised attachment theory, (Howe, 1999). The secure attachment theory is a child who is seen to be securely attached to the caregiver; will play freely whilst their caregiver is present and will involve in play with strangers when the caregiver is in the room (Brodie 2012). The child will also show profound emotion when the caregiver leaves, but is content when the caregiver returns. Anxious- ambivalent insecure attachment is when the child shows anxiousness towards exploration and strangers, even when the care giver is present. When the caregiver departs the child is seen to be extremely distressed. The child regains normality when the caregiver returns, however, will be resentful and resistant when the caregiver pledges attention (Brodie, 2012). Lastly, anxious- avoidant insecure attachments when a child lacks initial response or emotion towards the caregiver when the caregiver returns or departs. The range of emotion showed is not varied between strangers or caregivers and the child would act relevantly similar regardless of who was in the room or if the room was to be empty (Brodie, 2012). Furthermore, with reference to Ainsworth’s attachment theories, social workers are able to gain an understanding of how early attachment theories can affect the behaviour and later relationships of older children and adults. Each attachment pattern is related to a particular personality structure and level of social ability; in the way in which people are able to relate to others, effectively and appropriately (Howe, 1995). Furthermore, Bowlby and Ainsworth’s attachment theory has been known to have been criticised. It can be criticised from a multicultural viewpoint. It can be argued that originally founded attachment theory is seen as ‘Eurocentric’. There is an over emphasis on the mother- child bond; undervaluing the other significance relationships such as the father, grandchildren and siblings (Beckett and Taylor 2010). It is also argued that over significant care from the mother by be seen as damaging for the mother- child relationship. The mother may suffer stress; resulting in the mother becoming resentful of the child (Beckett and Taylor 2010). Piaget was a cognitive development psychologist and identified four basic stages to a child’s developmental thinking. However, in relation to Bowlby’s attachment theory, Piaget had differing opinions. Piaget believed that children had a secondary nature for food. Thus it was believed by Piaget that even at the age of two a child is still dominated by his physiological needs that he switches his affections to whoever may be able to meet them; disagreeing with Bowbly’s view of a primary care giver (Bowlby, 1980). In addition, the psychodynamic theory; founded by Freud (1856-1939) also differentiates from Bowlbys view. Freud believed behaviour is based on motivational drive (Gullestad 2001), this drive being satisfaction and pleasure. Freud’s theory was set out in three stages, these being the, id, the ego and the super ego; Freud’s child development studies on personality was established in the first five years of a child’s life and consisted mainly of the id. The id is driven by pleasure; this seeks gratification of desires, wants and needs. Furthermore, Freud saw the id, as the part of the mind that dealt with sexual instinct, known as the libido; according to Freud this was the drive behind the behaviour’s shown. If these needs and wants are not met the result can lead to anxiety or tension. The idea of the id can be seen as important for child development as it ensures that the child’s needs are being met. The id is the only personality theory for young children viewed by Freud and is explained as the pleasure principle. However, like Bowlby; Freud considered attachment with child and caregiver within his studies and believes how the id helps in gaining reciprocal attention from the caregiver by crying if the child is hungry or uncomfortable from a spoiled nappy until the needs of the id are met. The theory of the id was seen as important in building attachment for the child’s survival. Moreover, the ego is seen as the part of the personality which is responsible for dealing with reality. According to Freud the ego develops from the id and makes sure that impulses of the id are expressed in an acceptable way (Cherry, 2011). In addition, the ego works in the conscious, preconscious and unconscious mind. The ego will excuse the impulses of the id resulting in the desires of the id to be delayed until a more appropriate time. Lastly the super ego in accordance to Freud is the last stage of personality developmental process. The superego is the aspect of personality that deals with our internal moral thoughts and ideals that our care givers have started to instil in us. It distinguishes our sense of right and wrong. It largely rules our judgement and starts to emerge from around the age of five (Wilson, 2011). Conversely, Bowlby and Freud are seen to oppose theories. Bowlby states how the mother and child attachment is a primary bond and not secondary to drive satisfaction. Moreover, Bowlby challenges Freuds drive theory which believes that all human behaviour can be explained as derived from sexuality or aggression (Gullestad 2001). Whereas, Bowlby believed that attachment is more of a self-directed motivational system (Gullestad 2001). Erickson related to certain aspects of Freud’s work especially the ego. He was drawn to how social aspects impacted on certain areas of the lifespan; he found a particular interest and attention to the ego and how it developed through many stages and at each stage had to overcome a certain ‘crisis’ to then develop to the next level. Even though Erikson was influenced by Freud’s work; unlike Freud, Erikson believed that the ego exists from birth and that behaviour is not totally framed by defence. Each stage with a ‘crisis’ were known as the ‘Eight stages of man’. This is seen as similar to the Freudian model; however, Erikson focuses on the whole lifespan and not just childhood. Additionally, Erikson become aware of cultural influences on behaviour and placed more emphasis on the external world (Arlene, 2010). Erikson’s research was based upon the whole lifespan and recognises eight stages of life where the ego starts and continues to develop. New experiences occurring within the lifespan, new information gained and socialisation means the ego is constantly changing. Each stage has a favourable and an unfavourable outcome. However, the outcome for the certain individual would depend on the person’s ability to challenge a ‘crisis’. Furthermore, Erikson believed that we are motivated by achievement and if each stage is deemed as positive then this will motivate the individual in moving to the next stage. However, Erikson believed that if a stage was seen as a negative experience then this will drop positive thinking and leave a sense of dis-belonging. The first stage of the eight is basic trust versus mistrust. This stage is specified to young children were the child is totally dependent on the caregiver. This stage requires the primary care giver to give consistent and stable care in order for the child to develop feelings of security. The second stage is autonomy versus shame and doubt. This is where the child will start to form a sign for independence and master skills for ourselves. During this stage the child learns to walk, talk and feed themselves and the child is learning finer motor skills. Furthermore, within this stage it is important for the child experience control and gain self-esteem, learning right from wrong. However, during this stage there is an exposure of vulnerability, as shame might be felt when certain skills are not met. Stage three is initiative versus guilt. It is during this stage that children develop the erg to copy adults. Whilst Erikson was influenced on Freud’s findings, he swaps Freud’s biological sexuality in favour for psychosocial features between child and caregiver. The most significant relationship at this stage is with the basic family (Arlene, 2010). If the previous stage reaches a favourable outcome then should have gained confidence and an awareness of their surroundings. Language begins to develop and they begin to explore surroundings. Stage four is known as industry versus inferiority. This is a key social stage of development. Children may experience inferiority amongst peers and experience self -esteem issues. As stage 5 reaches near it is observational that parents no longer have utmost authority. This is because during this stage children are experiencing school and other experiences. The fifth stage; identity versus role confusion. At this stage life is getting more complex as the transition into adolescence takes place. Stage six is intimacy versus isolation. This is where signified relationships are built, however, if not successful isolation may occur. Stage seven; generatively versus stagnation. At this stage the maturing adult needs an importance in life to overcome the mid -life crisis. The final stage is the ego versus despair, this stage is a reflection on the previous life cycles and gaining acceptance on the last life cycle (Stevens, 2008). In conclusion, this essay has brought attention to many psychologists and theories. Theories of human growth and development are important for caregivers to highlight the need for secure attachment and for social work professionals and in gaining the skills important for practice. Reference list Cassidy, J. , and Maryland, U. (2 000). Adult romantic attachments: A developmental perspective on individual differences. Dept of Psychology, Review of General Psychology. Gullestad, E, 2011, Attachment theory and psychoanalysis: controversial issues, Accessed on line:http://66. 199. 228. 237/boundary/attachment_theory_and_psychoanalysis/attachment_theory. pdf R, Broadie 2012:DCM child development media: Mary Ainsworth and attachment theory: Accessed online:http://www. childdevelopmentmedia. com/mary-ainsworth-and-attachment-theory. html Arlene, F, 2011:support for change: The developmental stages of Erick Erickson: Accessed online:http://www. support4change. com/index. php? ption=com_contentamp;view=articleamp;id=47amp;Itemid=108 Allan N. Schore (2000): Attachment and the regulation of the right brain, Attachment amp; Human Development, 2:1, 23-47 Howe, D. (1999) Attachment theory for child maltreatment and family support : a practice and assessment mode, published: Basingstoke, Macmillan. Wilson, K. (2011) Social work: an introduction to contemporary practice, published: Harlow, England; New York, Lon gman. McLoed, S, 2007, Simply psychology: Bowlby’s attachment theory: Accessed online:http://www. simplypsychology. org/bowlby. html Cherry, K, 2011, The id,

The life of Richard Essay Example For Students

The life of Richard Essay He was the son either of the police actuary Friedrich Wagner, who died soon after his birth, or of his mothers friend the painter, actor and poet Ludwig Geyer, whom she married in August 1814. He went to school in Dresden and then Leipzig; at 15 he wrote a play, at 16 his first compositions. In 1831 he went to Leipzig University, also studying music with the Thomaskantor, C. T. Weinlig; a symphony was written and successfully performed in 1832. In 1833 he became chorus master at the Wrzburg theatre and wrote the text and music of his first opera, Die Feen; this remained unheard, but his next, Das Liebesverbot, written in 1833, was staged in 1836. By then he had made his debut as an opera conductor with a small company which however went bankrupt soon after performing his opera. He married the singer Minna Planer in 1836 and went with her to Konigsberg where he became musical director at the theatre, but he soon left and took a similar post in Riga where he began his next opera, Rienzi, and did much conducting, especially of Beethoven. We will write a custom essay on The life of Richard specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In 1839 they slipped away from creditors in Riga, by ship to London and then to Paris, where he was befriended by Meyerbeer and did hack-work for publishers and theatres. He also worked on the text and music of an opera on the Flying Dutchman legend; but in 1842 Rienzi, a large-scale opera with a political theme set in imperial Rome, was accepted for Dresden and Wagner went there for its highly successful premiere. Its theme reflects something of Wagners own politics (he was involved in the semi-revolutionary, intellectual Young Germany movement). Die fliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman), given the next year, was less well received, though a much tauter musical drama, beginning to move away from the number opera tradition and strong in its evocation of atmosphere, especially the supernatural and the raging seas (inspired by the stormy trip from Riga). Wagner was now appointed joint Kapellmeister at the Dresden court. The theme of redemption through a womans love, in the Dutchman, recurs in Wagners operas (and perhaps his life). In 1845 Tannhauser was completed and performed and Lohengrin begun. In both Wagner moves towards a more continuous texture with semi-melodic narrative and a supporting orchestral fabric helping convey its sense. In 1848 he was caught up in the revolutionary fervour and the next year fled to Weimar (where Liszt helped him) and then Switzerland (there was also a spell in France); politically suspect, he was unable to enter Germany for 11 years. In Zrich, he wrote in 1850-51 his ferociously anti-semitic Jewishness in Music (some of it an attack on Meyerbeer) and his basic statement on musical theatre, Opera and Drama; he also began sketching the text and music of a series of operas on the Nordic and Germanic sagas. By 1853 the text for this four-night cycle (to be The Nibelungs Ring) was written, printed and read to friends who included a generous patron, Otto Wesendonck, and his wife Mathilde, who loved him, wrote poems that he set, and inspired Tristan und Isolde conceived in 1854 and completed five years later, by which time more than half of The Ring was written. In 1855 he conducted in London; tension with Minna led to his going to Paris in 1858-9. 1860 saw them both in Paris, where the next year he revived Tannhauser in revised form for French taste. but it was literally shouted down, partly for political reasons. In 1862 he was allowed freely into Germany; that year he and the ill and childless Minna parted (she died in 1866). In 1863 he gave concerts in Vienna, Russia etc; the next year King Ludwig II invited him to settle in Bavaria, near Munich, discharging his debts and providing him with money. Wagner did not stay long in Bavaria, because of opposition at Ludwigs court, especially when it was known that he was having an affair with Cosima, the wife of the conductor Hans von Blow (she was Liszts daughter); Blow (who condoned it) directed the Tristan premiere in 1865. .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f , .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .postImageUrl , .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f , .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f:hover , .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f:visited , .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f:active { border:0!important; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f:active , .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uafa76a0c72102cd75c327a62c033d40f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Upside Down Kingdom EssayHere Wagner, in depicting every shade of sexual love, developed a style richer and more chromatic than anyone had previously attempted, using dissonance and its urge for resolution in a continuing pattem to build up tension and a sense of profound yearning; Act 2 is virtually a continuous love duet, touching every emotion from the tenderest to the most passionately erotic. Before returning to the Ring, Wagner wrote, during the mid-1860s, The Mastersingers of Nuremberg: this is in a quite different vein, a comedy set in 16th-century Nuremberg, in which a noble poet-musician wins, through his victory in a music contest a victory over pedants who stick to the foolish old rules the hand of his beloved, fame and riches. (The analogy with Wagners view of himself is obvious. ) The music is less chromatic than that of Tristan, warm and good-humoured, often contrapuntal; unlike the mythological figures of his other operas the characters here have real humanity. The opera was given, under Blow, in 1868; Wagner had been living at Tribschen, near Lucerne, since 1866, and that year Cosima formally joined him, they had two children when in 1870 they married. The first two Ring operas, Das Rheingold and Die Walkre, were given in Munich, on Ludwigs insistence, in 1869 and 1870; Wagner however was anxious to have a special festival opera house for the complete cycle and spent much energy trying to raise money for it. Eventually, when he had almost despaired, Ludwig came to the rescue and in 1874 the year the fourth opera, Gotterdammerung, was finished provided the necessary support. The house was built at Bayreuth, designed by Wagner as the home for his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (total art work- an alliance of music, poetry, the visual arts, dance etc). The first festival, an artistic triumph but a financial disaster was held there in 1876, when the complete Ring was given. The Ring is about 18 hours music, held together by an immensely detailed network of themes, or leitmotifs, each of which has some allusive meaning: a character, a concept, an object etc. They change and develop as the ideas within the opera develop. They are heard in the orchestra, not merely as labels but carrying the action, sometimes informing the listener of connections of ideas or the thoughts of those on the stage. There are no numbers in the Ring; the musical texture is made up of narrative and dialogue, in which the orchestra partakes. The work is not merely a story about gods, humans and dwarfs but embodies reflections on every aspect of the human condition. It has been interpreted as socialist, fascist, Jungian, prophetic, as a parable about industrial society, and much more. In 1877 Wagner conducted in London, hoping to recoup Bayreuth losses; later in the year he began a new opera, Parsifal. He continued his musical and polemic writings, concentrating on racial purity. He spent most of 1880 in Italy. Parsifal, a sacred festival drama, again treating redemption but through the acts of communion and renunciation on the stage, was given at the Bayreuth Festival in 1882. He went to Venice for the winter, and died there in February of the heart trouble that had been with him for some years. His body was retumed by gondola and train for burial at Bayreuth. Wagner did more than any other composer to change music, and indeed to change art and thinking about it. His life and his music arouse passions like no other composers. His works are hated as much as they are worshipped; but no-one denies their greatness.