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Abigail Dyer's new translation of Richard Wagner's own libretto for his opera Tannhäuser is now available on the website here. 

Tannhäuser merges the legends of the medieval poet Tannhäuser, and the Wartburg Song Contest, with the myth of Venus and her subterranean realm of Venusberg. It centres on the conflict between sacred and profane love and the quest for redemption through love. 

Wagner's numerous sources for the libretto include stories by Tieck and Hoffman, and a poem of Heine's. The libretto was completed in 1843. Wagner modified the work progressively. The 'Dresden' version was performed in 1845, and revised as the 'Paris' version' in 1861.