Tannhäuser and the Singers' Contest at Wartburg

At the heart of what is perhaps Wagner’s most personal opera stands the minstrel Tannhäuser, torn between two women: Elisabeth of Thuringia (whom he loves “virtually”) and the goddess Venus, into whose realm he has wandered during his travels (and with whom he shares a far more sensual love). When he returns from the Venusberg to Thuringia, a singing contest is taking place at Wartburg Castle, with Elisabeth’s hand as the prize. The theme of the competition songs is “the nature of love.” Tannhäuser sings of sensual love and mentions Venus – the audience is horrified and sends him on a pilgrimage to the Pope for his sins. Years later, he returns – without papal forgiveness. From his friend Wolfram von Eschenbach, he learns that Elisabeth has died. A miracle, however, suggests that she has obtained God’s mercy for Tannhäuser.

In addition to exploring the question of how far an artist (or anyone, for that matter) can adapt to society without betraying their true self, the opera also tells the story of life choices and attempts to undo them. In no other work by Wagner do the exuberance of the romantic opera – with its arias and powerful choruses and the mature style of his music dramas with their leitmotifs and endless melodies – come together in such a blend that is always perfectly attuned to the dramatic situation. Jubilation, despair, renunciation, righteous indignation, true friendship – there is scarcely a human emotion that cannot be found in this music.