What is tannhaeuser?

Tannhäuser is an opera in three acts composed by Richard Wagner, with a German libretto written by the composer himself. It premiered in Dresden, Germany, on October 19, 1845. The opera tells the story of the medieval German knight and poet Tannhäuser, who is torn between his desire for spiritual redemption and his love for the worldly Venus. The opera explores themes of sin, redemption, and the tension between fleshly desires and spiritual transcendence. Tannhäuser is known for its complex vocal writing, intricate orchestration, and dramatic intensity. It remains one of Wagner's most popular operas, despite initial controversy surrounding its seemingly sacrilegious subject matter.