1813 was truly a great year for opera. It was the year that both Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi were born and both of them are considered among the best. As far as having a legacy (both musically and otherwise) however, Wagner far outreaches Verdi. His opera as well as the controvertial nature of his life has left us with a nearly limitless universe we must attempt to fit under the umbrella of "Wagner." Following his death, so-called "Wagnerian" ideas became quite popular. The problem, however, is that Wagner as an artist and a man is so intangible that nearly any idea can be given a Wagnerian spin.
Many will think of Wagner's legacy and think of Hitler and Nazism. Yes, that is part of his legacy, but I would like to primarily discuss his musical legacy. Wagner set a standard for opera that, in my opinion, has never quite been achieved by anyone other than him. Even Verdi's work seems quite light, if not simplistic, when compared to Wagner. It is also unfortunate that since the 19th century very few attempts have been made to create an opera on par with Wagner. Other forms of entertainment such as musical theatre became more prevalent and while still performed, there is little demand for new opera.
So, by being so brilliant and setting such a high standard, did Wagner do more harm to opera than good? Hardly. One brilliant work of art is more valuable that a hundred mediocre works. I think this is Wagner's true legacy. He took opera to new levels, he had the drive to create a masterpiece such as Der Ring des Nibelungen and the courage to tell such a grand story. And the story is told not only in the words that are sung; his music paints images and a certain sound will be a symbol for an idea or even something tangible. For example, if one is familiar with Der fliegende Hollaender (The Flying Dutchman), most particularly the overture, one can literally "hear" the storm that rages upon the sea. One can hear the wind gust and each wave that crests and breaks again and one can hear, as well as see, the arrival of the phantom ship as it emerges from the mist. One hears the music, that environment becomes real and one is truly there. Yes, this is Richard Wagner's legacy.