Richard Wagner

Pilgrim's Chorus

Tannhäuser is an 1845 opera in three acts, music and text by Richard Wagner based on two German legends: "Tannhäuser", the mythologized medieval German Minnesänger and poet, and the tale of the "Wartburg Song Contest". The story centers on the struggle between sacred and profane love, and redemption through love, a theme running through much of Wagner's mature work. One of the most famous parts from the opera is the "Pilgrim's Chorus". The theme of this chorus is already present in the overture of the opera and concludes this mighty stage work with the same music in the form of a majestic hymn, which glorifies the victory of pure love over sinful passion. Italian arranger Gottfried Veit transcribed this wonderful chorus for a large Brass Ensemble.