from Act I, Scene 2 of the German opera
Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner
Libretto: Richard Wagner
Role: Heinrich Tannhäuser, a minnesinger
Voice Part: tenor Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor
Setting: the Venusberg, near Eisenach, early 1200's
Synopsis: Tannhäuser is inside the mountain of Venus, surrounded by nymphs and satyrs. He worships the goddess of Love and expresses his praise for her in a hymn. The hymn's verses are divided by conversation between Venus and Tannhäuser.