What is a wagnerian tenor?

A Wagnerian tenor is a type of operatic tenor specifically suited for performing roles in the operas of Richard Wagner. These tenors typically possess a powerful, robust voice with a rich, dramatic quality, capable of projecting over large orchestras. Wagnerian tenors often sing demanding roles such as Tristan in "Tristan und Isolde" or Siegfried in "Der Ring des Nibelungen," which require not only vocal strength but also emotional depth and stamina for long performances. The term is often associated with a specific vocal technique that allows for the sustained power needed in Wagner's music.