Opera Guide and Synopsis: Tannhauser, by Richard Wagner

The material for Richard Wagner's opera Tannhäuser came from multiple sources, but the main one was the Middle High German poem Der Sängerkrieg (The Song Contest). The opera's full title is Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf dem Watburg (Tannhäuser and the Song Contest at the Wartburg). The idea of medieval singing competitions returned in Wagner's later opera, Die Meistersinger; it is Walther von die Vogelweide whom Walther von Stolzig claims as a tutor.

Wagner finished the libretto in May 1843, and Tannhäuser was first performed on October 19, 1845 in Dresden. Although the opera received great critical acclaim, Wagner himself grew to hate it. Late in his life he wrote that it was "meine schlechteste Oper" ("my worst opera"). This may have something to do with the opera's disastrous premiere in Paris, when the composer was required to shoehorn a ballet into the first act.

Characters in Tannhäuser

• Heinrich Tannhäuser, a Minnesinger (Tenor)
• Herrmann, Landgrave of Thuringia (Bass)
• Elisabeth, his niece (Soprano)
• Venus, goddess of love (Soprano or mezzo-soprano)
• Wolfram von Eschenbach, a Minnesinger (Baritone)
• Walther von der Vogelweide, a Minnesinger (Tenor)
• Biterolf, a Minnesinger (Bass)
• Heinrich der Schreiber, a Minnesinger (Tenor)
• Reinmar von Zweter, a Minnesinger (Bass )
• A young shepherd (Soprano)

Synopsis of Tannhäuser

The story takes place in the thirteenth century, near Thuringia.

Act I

Venus holds her court in the Thuringian mountains. She tempts Tannhäuser, who has left the Landgrave of Thuringia for her court, with a Bacchanal and beautiful women; but he is tired of her paganism, and calls upon Mary, causing Venus' court to vanish.

Suddenly transported to the Valley of Wartburg, Tannhäuser encounters a young shepherd and a group of pilgrims to Rome. Finally a hunting party of Tannhäuser's old friends appears. Wolfram tells Tannhäuser that Elisabeth misses him, and so Tannhäuser agrees to return to the Castle of Wartburg.

Act II

Elisabeth returns to the Hall of Minstrels and reunites with Tannhäuser. The Landgrave announces a singing tournament, with Elisabeth's hand as the prize. The other contestants sing the praises of pure and holy love, which frustrates Tannhäuser, who has lived in the court of Venus. He sings in praise of carnal love, shocking and offending everyone. Elisabeth begs for forgiveness on Tannhäuser's behalf, and the Landgrave agrees, but only if Tannhäuser goes on a pilgrimage to Rome. A group of pilgrims passes by, and Tannhäuser joins them

Act III

Elisabeth prays for Tannhäuser's safe return. Pilgrims enter ("The Pilgrims' Chorus"), but Tannhäuser is not with them. Elisabeth is without hope; she prays that Tannhäuser might be saved and she might die.

Wolfram sings to the evening star. Tannhäuser appears and tells Wolfram of his pilgrimage, which ended with the Pope refusing to forgive him until the Pope's staff bursts into bloom. Tannhäuser plans to return to Venusberg, and calls on Venus. Wolfram tries to reassure him that Elisabeth still prays for him, but then they see Elisabeth's body being carried away.

Tannhäuser falls over her body, begging her spirit to pray for him. A group of pilgrims passes by with evidence of a new miracle: the Pope's staff in full bloom, signifying Tannhäuser's forgiveness.

Sources:

• Newman, Ernest. Stories of the Great Operas and Their Composers. Garden City: Garden City Publishing, 1930.
• Simon, Henry W. 100 Great Operas and Their Stories. Garden City: Dolphin, 1960.
• Wagner, Richard. Tannhäuser (score).