Tannhäuser

Tannhäuser (Wagner). Libretto by composed by 3 acts; first performance Dresden 1845, conducted by Richard Wagner.

Thuringia (near Eisenach), early 13th cent.: Tannhäuser wants to be freed from the bacchantine orgy which goes on in the grotto of the Venusberg. With all its drawbacks, he prefers a human existence and begs Venus to release him. She curses him and those who tempt him away. At the foot of the Venusberg he hears a Shepherd singing of spring and watches pilgrims passing. The Landgrave appears with his knights. They recognize Tannhäuser, who left their company years ago. Wolfram von Eschenbach tells him Elisabeth is missing him and he agrees to rejoin them. In the hall of the Wartburg castle, Wolfram (himself in love with her) leads Tannhäuser to meet Elisabeth. Wolfram announces a song contest in which the entrants, in their song, must clearly state the essence of love. The winner can marry Elisabeth. Walter von der Vogelweide, Biterolf and Wolfram each sing, defining love in moral terms. Tannhäuser, when it is his turn, sees love as a sensual experience and advises them to visit the Venusberg to learn about it. The knights, disgusted, attempt to kill him, but Elisabeth intervenes. The Landgrave orders him to make a pilgrimage to Rome to beg forgiveness. In the Wartburg valley, Elisabeth vainly awaits his return. Dying, she is ready to sacrifice herself in his place. Tannhäuser returns - the Pope has refused forgiveness and he must accept eternal damnation. Wolfram prays to Elisabeth in heaven and Tannhäuser dies as her coffin is carried in. The pilgrims hail his forgiveness.