Tannhäuser is one of Wagner's richest and most elaborate musical
achievements. Here the composer's inexhaustible genius for composition
merges with brilliant orchestration to achieve a masterpiece of melodic
invention. Since the opera's premiere at Dresden in 1845, generation of
listeners have delighted in such inspired selections as the Pilgrim's
Chorus, Evening Star, Shepherd's Song, Bacchanal Music, Entry of the
Guests, Elizabeth's Prayer, and other favorites.
This edition reproduces the full orchestral and vocal score in a clear,
modern engraving with large, legible notation for easy reading and
study. The score is the original 1845 version as slightly amended by
Wagner in 1847, commonly known as the Second Dresden version. This is
considered the standard version and the one usually performed today. Not
usually performed today but included as a special feature of this volume
is the ballet music for the first act, written by Wagner for the
infamous Paris production of 1861. A new English translation of the
original German front matter further enhances the value and completeness
of this volume.
Music lovers, admirers of Wagner, and opera enthusiasts will welcome
this inexpensive, full-score edition of Tannhäuser -- a glorious
masterpiece of vocal and instrumental writing and the quintessence of
Wagner's romantic thought and expression.
