Richard Wagner

Tannhäuser Akt 2, Szene 4

TANNHÄUSER, an 1845 opera in three acts by Richard Wagner (1813-1883), combines two German legends: the mythologized medieval German Minnesänger 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. The complete opera remains a major part of the opera repertoire. "Freudig begrüssen wir die edle Halle" (With joy we greet the noble hall) takes place during the fourth and final scene of Act 2. It depicts the guests arriving at the minnesingers' hall in the Wartburg castle for the Sängerkrieg (Song Contest). The orchestra opens the procession, with the chorus of guests soon joining in, greeting the Landgrave. The orchestra score and parts is available separately from the publisher.