The Metropolitan Opera Wagner Tannhäuser (1982)

As renowned for its harmonious overture as for its romantic storybook characters this threeact masterwork features some of the composers most groundbreaking and unforgettable music as well as a theme the young Wagner would revisit again and again later in his careerthe redemptive and transcendent power of a womans love The enchanting plot harks back to medieval history Wolfram is a lovesick troubadour who desires the virtuous Elisabeth She however has eyes for another the rebellious knight Tannhäuser who in turn cannot get over an overwhelming sensual experience in the realm of the goddess Venus and is banished for singing her praises at court Only saintly Elisabeths death can atone for his misdeeds