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70% Critic Match
The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser
7.0 / 10• 1982• 3h 9m•NR• German
Music
Storyline
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 & Crew
Richard Cassilly
Tannhäuser
Lead
Éva Marton
Elisabeth
Tatiana Troyanos
Venus
John Macurdy
Hermann, Landgrave of Thuringia
Bernd Weikl
Wolfram von Eschenbach
RN
Robert Nagy
Walther von der Vogelweide
RJ
Richard J. Clark
Biterolf
CA
Charles Anthony
Heinrich der Schreiber
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Brian Large's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
