Tannhauser: Overture (Original Dresden Version)

TANNHAUSER, an 1845 opera in three acts by Richard Wagner (1813-1883), combines two German legends: the mythologized medieval German Minnesanger and poet, and the tale of the Wartburg Song Contest. Like many of Wagner's works, the story focuses on the conflict between sacred and profane love, as well as redemption through love. It was first performed on October 19, 1845, in the Konigliches Hoftheater Dresden, and this 1845 edition is referred to as the "Dresden version." A heavily revised version was created for a March 13, 1861, performance at the Paris Opera, though the jeering from a highly critical audience caused Wagner to withdraw this "Paris version" after only three performances. Further revisions to the Paris version were made in 1875 to create the "Vienna version," including a return to German rather than French, and it is this update of the Paris version that is most commonly used today. The complete opera remains a major part of the opera repertoire. The "Dresden" version of the overture is the one most often performed in concert hall programs. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 4.3.3.1: Timp. Perc (3): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set).