The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser Poster

The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser 1982

189 min📅 1982-12-20

Captured in a mesmerizing 1982 performance by The Metropolitan Opera, Wagner's *Tannhäuser* unfolds as a sweeping tapestry of medieval chivalry and romantic yearning.

Director: Brian Large

Cast

Richard Cassilly
Richard Cassilly
Tannhäuser
Éva Marton
Éva Marton
Elisabeth
Tatiana Troyanos
Tatiana Troyanos
Venus
John Macurdy
John Macurdy
Hermann, Landgrave of Thuringia
Bernd Weikl
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Robert Nagy
Walther von der Vogelweide
Richard J. Clark
Biterolf
Charles Anthony
Heinrich der Schreiber
Richard Vernon
Richard Vernon
Reinmar von Zweter
Bill Blaber
Young shepherd

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser (1982) about?

This operatic retelling follows the knight Tannhäuser, torn between earthly pleasures and spiritual longing. His love for the pious Elisabeth clashes with his desires, leading to a dramatic confrontation between sin and salvation. Wagner's score elevates the medieval tale into a timeless meditation on redemption.

Who directed The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser?

Brian Large directed this iconic 1982 Metropolitan Opera production, capturing Wagner's vision with cinematic precision.

Who stars in The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser?

The cast features Richard Cassilly as Tannhäuser, Éva Marton as Elisabeth, Tatiana Troyanos as Venus, John Macurdy as Landgrave, and Bernd Weikl as Wolfram.

Is The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser (1982) worth watching?

With its groundbreaking score and stellar performances, this 1982 recording is a must-see for opera lovers. While IMDb ratings aren't available, its historical significance and Wagner's genius make it a standout production worth experiencing.

How long is The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser?

The runtime is 189 minutes, offering a deeply immersive operatic experience.

About The Metropolitan Opera - Wagner: Tannhäuser (1982) — A Wagnerian Masterpiece Explored

Captured in a mesmerizing 1982 performance by The Metropolitan Opera, Wagner's *Tannhäuser* unfolds as a sweeping tapestry of medieval chivalry and romantic yearning. Directed by Brian Large, this three-act operatic masterpiece showcases the composer's most daring and emotive compositions, weaving a story of love, redemption, and spiritual awakening. At its heart lies the timeless theme of a woman's love as a force of transformation—a motif Wagner would explore throughout his career. The rich orchestration and unforgettable melodies backdrop a tale of forbidden desire, where the virtuous Elisabeth and the rebellious knight Tannhäuser collide in a drama of passion and moral reckoning. The production's lush visuals and powerful performances transport listeners to a bygone era where music and legend intertwine.

This landmark recording remains a cornerstone of Wagnerian opera, celebrated for its emotional depth and artistic brilliance. Whether you're a longtime aficionado or a newcomer to classical opera, the grandeur of *Tannhäuser* is impossible to resist.