Opera houses the world over are scrambling to pay tribute to Richard Wagner, the controversial German composer often referred to as Hitler's favourite, who would have turned 200 this year. More has purportedly already been written about Wagner than any other artist and composer in history, but publishers are churning out countless new biographies, critical studies and books. Magazines and daily newspapers are bursting with reviews, interviews and articles, while a plethora of new and re-issued recordings jostle for attention.

A Nazi-themed production of Richard Wagner's "Tannhauser" opera has been cancelled in Duesseldorf after realistic death scenes distressed audience members, the opera house said Thursday. The Rheinoper said it was aware that the concept and its implementation would be "controversial". "But it was with great astonishment that we noted that some scenes, in particular very realistic execution scenes, caused physical and psychological distress to a number of spectators who had to seek medical help," read a statement on the Rheinoper's website.

* Half a duck and wine at Bayreuth while Germany starved * Music in contrast to Wagner's personal views - soprano Voigt * Anti-Semitism woven into the music, says author Millington * He was like a Las Vegas entertainer, German writer says By Michael Roddy