Tannhäuser

Wagner, Richard (1813–1883), translated by Dyer, Abigail (dyerabigail@gmail.com)

Tannhäuser, an opera composed by Richard Wagner, premiered in Dresden in 1845. It combines elements of German Romantic opera and French Grand Opera, focusing on the mythological figure Tannhäuser and the Wartburg Song Contest. The story explores themes of sacred versus profane love and redemption. Wagner revised the opera several times, notably for the 1861 Paris version.

The plot follows Tannhäuser, a knight and minstrel, who has spent time in the realm of Venus, the goddess of love. He eventually becomes disillusioned with the sensual life there and seeks redemption through Christian faith. Returning to his home, he enters a singing contest at the Wartburg castle, where he shocks the court by praising the pleasures of Venus. His love for Elisabeth, a virtuous woman, complicates his internal struggle. After being banished, he goes on a pilgrimage to Rome seeking absolution, but is denied forgiveness by the pope. In the end, Elisabeth prays for him and dies, leading to Tannhäuser’s redemption through her love.

The Dresden version (1845) is the original production. After the initial performances, Wagner made minor revisions, primarily to clarify certain scenes. This version remained in use for performances across Europe.

The Paris version (1861) was a major revision commissioned by Napoleon III for the Paris Opéra. In line with the house’s tradition, Wagner added a ballet to the first act and made several other significant changes. The role of Venus was adjusted from soprano to mezzo-soprano, and some musical elements were revised or removed. The premiere faced disruptions, particularly from the aristocratic Jockey Club, who were annoyed that the ballet's placement in the first act required them to attend from the start, interfering with their usual dinner schedule. After just three performances, Wagner withdrew the opera.

Author Details

Richard Wagner, born on May 22, 1813, in Leipzig, Germany, was a composer, conductor, and theatre director renowned for his operatic works. Wagner's father, Carl Friedrich, died of typhoid fever six months after Richard's birth, and his mother subsequently lived with, and probably remarried, the actor and playwright Ludwig Geyer, who kindled Wagner’s interest in theatre. Wagner displayed musical talent early in his life, going on to study at the University of Leipzig.

Richard Wagner's career was turbulent, characterized by both political involvement and persistent financial difficulties. His early operas, such as “Rienzi” and “The Flying Dutchman” were early steps in establishing his subsequent reputation. His involvement in the 1849 Dresden uprising, however, forced him into exile, during which he developed his revolutionary concept of opera as a "total work of art" (Gesamtkunstwerk).

Settling in Switzerland, Wagner wrote his famous essay “Opera and Drama” and began his epic cycle “The Ring of the Nibelung” - a series of four operas. His revolutionary use of leitmotifs and complex harmonic structures transformed opera. In contrast to his artistic success, Wagner’s personal life was more troubled - particularly his difficult marriage to Minna Planer and his controversial affair with Mathilde Wesendonck.

Wagner’s later years saw the realization of his longstanding ambition - the construction of the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, an opera house specifically designed for his works. He premiered the complete “Ring Cycle” there in 1876. His final opera, "Parsifal" premiered at Bayreuth in 1882.

Wagner died on February 13, 1883, in Venice, Italy.

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Dyer, Abigail

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