from Act III, Scene 1 of the German opera
Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner
Libretto: Richard Wagner
Role: Elisabeth, the niece of Hermann
Voice Part: soprano Fach: dramatic soprano
Setting: the valley of the Wartburg, near Eisenach, early 1200's
Synopsis: Tannhäuser, after praising the joys of sex in a singing competition, has left on a pilgrimage to Rome, leaving his love Elisabeth behind. He is due to arrive back soon. However, he doesn't return with the group of pilgrims with which he left and, afraid for his safety, Elisabeth prays to the Virgin Mary for Tannhäuser's redemption. She also prays that she may soon be freed from her unhappy life.