ACT II
(Relayed from the Royal Opera
House, Covent Garden)
TAXNHÄUSER is founded on an old German legend. Tannhauser is a thirteenth-century minstrel—a ' Minnesinger ' or ' Knight of Song.' Ho spends some time in dissipation" at tho Court of Venus, but presently grows tired of her enchantments. He returns to his fellow men, and learns that his old love, Elisabeth, niece of the Landgrave (or Prince) continues to mourn his absence.
The SECOND ACT takes place in the Hall of Song at the Castle of Wartburg. ELISABETH (Soprano) enters and greets the hall as the scene of Tannhauser's former, triumphs of song.
WOLFRAM (Baritone) brings Tann-' hauser (Tenor) to her ; she asks him where he has been, but ho replies evasively. He assures her of his love.
The LANDGRAVE (Bass) enters,' and tells Elisabeth that ho intends to make her hand tho mizo at the contest of song. Now the Knights and Ladies of the Court assemble to the famous March. The Landgrave addresses them, explaining that the subject of the minstrels' impromptu songs is to be ' The Nature of Lovo.' The Knights draw lots to decide who shall commence. Wolfram sings of noble and' spiritual love, but when Tannhauser's turn comes ho loses control of himself, and sings a wild song in praise of Venus. The Landgrave and the Knights are incensed, and would kill the impious Tannhauser, but Elisabeth begs them to spare him. j
At this point, from the valley are heard the voices of the pilgrims, on their way to Rome. The Landgrave enjoins the knight to go with them, and seek forgiveness of the Pope. The Act ends with Tannhauser's departure on his pilgrimage.