Christine Wilhelmine "Minna" Planer (5 September 1809 â€" 25 January
1866) was a German actress and the first wife of composer Richard
Wagner, to whom she was married for 30 years, although for the last 10
years they often lived apart. At an early age, she had an illegitimate
daughter with a Royal Saxon Army officer, whom she raised as her own
sister. After a stormy courtship, which involved infidelities on both
sides, she married Richard Wagner in 1836.In the early years Minna was
the main wage earner in the household, having a successful career as a
dramatic heroine who drew both applause for her abilities on stage and
admirers for her beauty. She shared in many of the escapades of
Wagner's life, including a perilous sea voyage to London, poverty in
Paris, and following him around Europe after his involvement in the
Dresden uprising of 1849, which led to his banishment from
Germany.After Wagner's affair with Mathilde Wesendonck in 1857, Minna
mostly lived apart from him. In later years she developed a heart
condition which ultimately claimed her life.
1866) was a German actress and the first wife of composer Richard
Wagner, to whom she was married for 30 years, although for the last 10
years they often lived apart. At an early age, she had an illegitimate
daughter with a Royal Saxon Army officer, whom she raised as her own
sister. After a stormy courtship, which involved infidelities on both
sides, she married Richard Wagner in 1836.In the early years Minna was
the main wage earner in the household, having a successful career as a
dramatic heroine who drew both applause for her abilities on stage and
admirers for her beauty. She shared in many of the escapades of
Wagner's life, including a perilous sea voyage to London, poverty in
Paris, and following him around Europe after his involvement in the
Dresden uprising of 1849, which led to his banishment from
Germany.After Wagner's affair with Mathilde Wesendonck in 1857, Minna
mostly lived apart from him. In later years she developed a heart
condition which ultimately claimed her life.
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