Overview

As renowned for its harmonious overture as for its romantic storybook characters, this three-act masterwork features some of the composer’s most groundbreaking and unforgettable music, as well as a theme the young Wagner would revisit again and again later in his career—the redemptive and transcendent power of a woman’s love. The enchanting plot harks back to medieval history: Wolfram is a lovesick troubadour who desires the virtuous Elisabeth. She, however, has eyes for another: the rebellious knight Tannhäuser, who in turn cannot get over an overwhelming sensual experience in the realm of the goddess Venus, and is banished for singing her praises at court. Only saintly Elisabeth’s death can atone for his misdeeds.

Genres

Cast

Richard Cassilly

Tannhäuser

Éva Marton

Elisabeth

Tatiana Troyanos

Venus

John Macurdy

Hermann, Landgrave of Thuringia

Richard Vernon

Reinmar von Zweter

James Levine

Self - Conductor