Exploring the Theme of Redemption Through Love

Tannhäuser, Wagner’s fifth opera, is based on the German legend of Tannhäuser, and its themes include the struggle between sacred and profane love and redemption through love, themes that run through most of his work.

Set in the 13th century, the story involves goddesses, nymphs, sirens, knights and many other mythical creatures. The legend of Tannhäuser says that the knight and poet found Venusburg, the underground home of Venus. After a year worshipping the goddess, he returns home to his life and Elisabeth, the warm but chaste young woman who loves him, despite the grief he's caused.

He travels to Rome to ask the pope to absolve his sins. The pope refuses, and declares that he has no more chance of being forgiven than the pope’s staff had of sprouting leaves. On his way back to Venusburg, Tannhäuser notices a funeral procession and sees the mourners bearing the corpse of Elisabeth. He races to her side, when the younger pilgrims enter and announce that the Pope's staff has sprouted young leaves, a sign that Tannhäuser has obtained God's forgiveness.

This legend has been reinterpreted not only by Wagner in his 1845 opera but also H.G. Wells in The Sleeper Awakes and Neil Gaiman in his “Neverwhere” story.

The Overture to Tannhäuser, which will close our Feb. 1 concert, is based on three important themes from the opera. The “Pilgrim’s Chorus” opens the overture, and the central section alternates between the sensuous music that accompanies Tannhäuser’s time with Venus in Venusburg and the song that praises Venus and carnal love. The final section culminates in a brassy climax of the “Pilgrim’s Chorus.”