A timeless tale of lust and love
Riven by earthly lusts and spiritual aspirations, the title character in Wagner’s “Tannhauser” cuts a modern, indeed an archetypal, figure. He’s a medieval minstrel who scandalizes his society when he sings of the sensual joys of love in a famous song contest for the hand of the innocent Elisabeth, niece of the Landgrave of Thuringia. Cast out for his impiety, Tannhauser is ultimately redeemed by Elisabeth’s love, but at the price of her death.
Audiences of Wagner’s day were scandalized by the sensuous nature of his writing, and the opening scene -- the bacchanal at the Venusberg -- often is staged to push the legal limit.
In a new Los Angeles Opera production designed by Gottfried Pilz, Peter Seiffert will sing the role of Tannhauser, while Petra Maria Schnitzer will sing Elisabeth. James Conlon will conduct; Ian Judge will direct.
“Tannhauser,” Los Angeles Opera, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. Saturday. $30 to $220. (213) 972-8001. www.laopera.com
* Also 7 p.m. Feb. 28, March 3, 8 and 15. 2 p.m. March 11
and 18.
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