@prometheusrex1 I feel like that's a valid takeaway from the denouement of act 2 though, when Tannhäuser is immediately persecuted for his more erotically infused music, and the argument that precedes it about whether courtly love or passionate love is "correct." Wagner was constantly at odds with the music establishment over his desire to have music tethered to human emotions and experiences. I'm reminded of the bellyaching Clara Schumann and the like had over the eroticism of Tristan when everybody jumps to condemn Tannhäuser to death. While the Venusberg is sexuality and sensuality to an indulgent degree ("zu viel!), the Wartburg is stifling in its absence of it. I feel like the essential conflict within the character is his inability to have it both ways. He's pulled between the two extremes because he's not really content with or accepted by either.
@@rossmerchant8435completely agree with you! Maybe “avant garde” is the wrong term, but the character was literally sent on a Pilgrimage to the Vatican to seek Papal pardon for his experiences, lifestyle, and views.
Id have rather had Pappano talking for 6 minutes while taking us through the Venusberg music than 4 minutes of someone else droning on about the plot.
@prometheusrex1 I feel like that's a valid takeaway from the denouement of act 2 though, when Tannhäuser is immediately persecuted for his more erotically infused music, and the argument that precedes it about whether courtly love or passionate love is "correct." Wagner was constantly at odds with the music establishment over his desire to have music tethered to human emotions and experiences. I'm reminded of the bellyaching Clara Schumann and the like had over the eroticism of Tristan when everybody jumps to condemn Tannhäuser to death. While the Venusberg is sexuality and sensuality to an indulgent degree ("zu viel!), the Wartburg is stifling in its absence of it. I feel like the essential conflict within the character is his inability to have it both ways. He's pulled between the two extremes because he's not really content with or accepted by either.
@@rossmerchant8435completely agree with you! Maybe “avant garde” is the wrong term, but the character was literally sent on a Pilgrimage to the Vatican to seek Papal pardon for his experiences, lifestyle, and views.