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.
Cast
Richard Cassilly
Tannhäuser
Éva Marton
Elisabeth
Tatiana Troyanos
Venus
John Macurdy
Hermann, Landgrave of Thuringia
Bernd Weikl
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Robert Nagy
Walther von der Vogelweide
Richard J. Clark
Biterolf
Charles Anthony
Heinrich der Schreiber
Richard Vernon
Reinmar von Zweter
Bill Blaber
Young shepherd
James Levine
Self - Conductor
MET Orchestra
