Michigan soprano Sara Jakubiak portrayed Elisabeth, the “pure of heart” woman who loves Tannhäuser, despite the actions that brought him into disrepute. His success as Tannhäuser in Los Angeles is further evidence that an important career is ahead of him. I had praised Savage as Radames in Verdi’s “Aida” at the Houston Grand Opera. Savage proved he has the vocal power and stamina required for the role’s musical challenges. Savage proved his mastery of the range required for his major arias – Dir töne Lob! sung to Venus in her lair and his lengthy third act monologue Inbrunst im Herzen, detailing the hardships and disappointments he encountered on his pilgrimage to ask the Pope’s forgiveness. Vocally, much of what an artist performing Tannhäuser has to sing lies high in the tenor range.

The other minnesingers were shocked by Tannhäuser’s long visit to Venus’ lair, regarding it as violating their community’s taboos. The Wartburg, the minnesinger community from which Tannhäuser hailed, espoused a chivalric, woman-idealizing view of love. Pennsylvania dramatic tenor Issachah Savage, who had swept the main prize awards in the 2014 Seattle International Wagner Competition, assumed the heldentenor role of Tannhäuser.Ī German knight and minnesinger (a troubador who creates songs about love), his attraction to the passionate, sexual side of love has led him to journey to the Venusberg, home of the goddess of love. I reviewed Judge’s original version when it was new and post it here for reference (see at bottom of review). Many of the elements of British director Ian Judge’s original concept for the opera’s “Paris version” remained – the most significant change between 20 occuring in the Venusberg ballet that opens that Paris version.

Wagner’s “Tannhäuser” returned to the Los Angeles Opera after a absence of a decade and a half.

La opera tannhauser cast