from Act I of the German opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Elsa of Brabant, a young woman, daughter of the late Duke

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: dramatic soprano

Setting: a plain on the banks of the Schelbt, Antwerp, first half of the 10th century

Synopsis: Elsa relates one of her dreams in which a knight in white was sent to her by God to defend her.

from Act II, Scene 1 of the German opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Elsa of Brabant, a young woman, daughter of the late Duke

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: dramatic soprano

Setting: the balcony of Elsa's room in the fortress of Antwerp outside the Knight's palace, first half of the 10th century

Synopsis: Excited by the thought of her rapidly approaching marriage, Elsa thanks the breezes that have sent her such joy.

from Act I of the German opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Elsa of Brabant, a young woman, daughter of the late Duke

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: dramatic soprano

Setting: a plain on the banks of the Schelbt, Antwerp, first half of the 10th century

Synopsis: Elsa sings her praise to God for all that he has done for her, including sending a holy Knight to protect her.

from Act II, Scene 1 of the German opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Frederick of Telramund, the Count of Brabant, married to Ortrud

Voice Part: baritone       Fach: dramatic baritone

Setting: the fortress of Antwerp outside the Knight's palace, first half of the 10th century

Synopsis: Frederick and his wife Ortrud have been banished by the King for their pagan ways. Frederick believes that their downfall was Ortrud's fault and tells her his thoughts.

from Act III, Scene 1 of the German opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Lohengrin, a knight

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor

Setting: Elsa's bridal chamber, Antwerp, first half of the 10th century

Synopsis: Because Lohengrin is not allowed to tell Elsa his name, she becomes suspicious about his true feelings for her. He attempts to reassure her by comparing her to all the sweetest fragrances floating through the air.

from Act III, Scene 2 of the German opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Lohengrin, a knight

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor

Setting: a plain on the banks of the Schelbt, Antwerp, first half of the 10th century

Synopsis: To this point, the Knight has not been allowed to tell his name or his origin. However, he now must leave because he has killed Frederick, the Count of Brabant, and now tells his past. He is a Knight of the Grail from the island of Montsalvat and his father is Parsifal, the leader of all the Knights of Grail who strive to do good in the world as long as no one knows their secret. He finally reveals that his true name is Lohengrin.

from Act III, Scene 2 of the German opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Lohengrin, a knight

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor

Setting: a plain on the banks of the Schelbt, Antwerp, first half of the 10th century

Synopsis: As a beautiful swan floats towards them, Lohengrin says goodbye to Elsa. He tells her that her brother Gottfried who disappeared a while ago would have reappeared in a year if Lohengrin did not have to leave. However, he is now forced to leave and gives his sword, his ring, and his horn to Elsa, saying that Gottfried should be given them when he returns.