Igor Markevitch Classic Archive | Wagner: Tannhäuser, Overture

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Wagner Tannhäuser: Overture
Orchestre National de l'ORTF
Filmed at the Besançon XXI International Festival
15 September 1968

Tannhäuser (German: full title Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg, "Tannhäuser and the Minnesängers' Contest at Wartburg") is an 1845 opera in three acts, with music and text by Richard Wagner (WWV 70 in the catalogue of the composer's works). It is based on two German legends: Tannhäuser, the mythologized medieval German Minnesänger and poet, and the tale of the Wartburg Song Contest. The story centres on the struggle between sacred and profane love, as well as redemption through love, a theme running through most of Wagner's work. The opera remains a staple of major opera house repertoire in the 21st century.