Wagner’s ‘Tannhauser’ on radio

Press, 25 February 1983, Page 15

Wagner’s ‘Tannhauser’ on radio

This evening the Concert programme features Wagner's three-act opera "Tannhauser,” first produced in Dresden in 1845, which tells of a medieval minstrel torn between sacred and profane love. Tannhauser has for a year given himself up to Venus, Goddess of Love, but now he yearns for the old pleasures of earth. Venus scornfully bids him to leave, warning that the earth’s joy will

prove hollow. Tannhauser’s former associates and fellow knights recognise him and persuade him to rejoin them, reminding him that the Landgrave’s niece, Elizabeth, faithfully awaits him. Elizabeth joyfully greets the returning knight, and the Landgrave holds a singing contest with the prize to be his niece’s hand in marriage. Wolfram, who also loves Elizabeth, sings of virtuous

love, but the poison of Venus works in Tannhauser’s mind and his shameless extolling of her love drives every woman from the hall, except for Elizabeth who intervenes to protect Tannhauser from the angry knights. The Landgrave orders Tannhauser to seek the Pope’s 'forgiveness in Rome. Wolfram and Elizabeth come to meet pilgrims returning from Rome but cannot find Tannhauser, and

Elizabeth goes sadly away. Finally, ragged and weary. Tannhauser comes by. The Pope has told him that his sin can no more be forgiven than the staff he carries can burgeon with leaves. There is no hope for Tannhauser, who intends to seek Venus once more. A funeral procession approaches, bearing the body of Elizabeth whose heart has broken in sorrow and pity. Tannhauser embraces her for the last time, and dies. Pil-

grims enter, carrying the Pope’s staff, which has sprouted leaves and flowers — Tannhauser’s sin is purged. This evening’s recording of this epic work is by the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus and soloists conducted by Georg Solti. The programme is introduced for Radio New Zealand by William Southgate.