The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser
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.
Cast
Richard Cassilly
as Tannhäuser
Éva Marton
as Elisabeth
Tatiana Troyanos
as Venus
John Macurdy
as Hermann, Landgrave of Thuringia
Bernd Weikl
as Wolfram von Eschenbach
Robert Nagy
as Walther von der Vogelweide
Richard J. Clark
as Biterolf
Charles Anthony
as Heinrich der Schreiber
Richard Vernon
as Reinmar von Zweter
Bill Blaber
as Young shepherd
