Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner

After a year in the magical underground realm of Venus, the goddess of love, the minstrel Tannhäuser returns to the human world, longing for salvation. He joins his former companions, knights of the Wartburg castle, where his previous love, Elisabeth lives with her uncle, the Landgraf.

In the Hall of Song, Elisabeth greets Tannhäuser and reveals how much she has missed him. A song contest is held, on the theme of love. The knight, Wolfram, praises idealised love, but Tannhäuser shockingly sings in celebration of worldly pleasures and Venus. Although deeply wounded by this, Elisabeth begs for mercy when the knights draw their swords on Tannhäuser. The Landgraf declares he must undertake penance as a pilgrim to Rome.

Elisabeth, waiting in vain for Tannhäuser’s return, succumbs to grief, praying that the Virgin Mary receives her soul. Wolfram asks the evening star to guide her way.

Tannhäuser then appears, but the Pope has denied him absolution: forgiveness for his sins is as impossible as the papal staff sprouting leaves. In despair, Tannhäuser summons Venus. Wolfram tries to stop him reverting to his old ways, invoking Elisabeth’s name, which brings him to his senses. Venus disappears. Elisabeth’s funeral procession approaches and Tannhäuser begs her to pray for his salvation. He dies as pilgrims bring news of a miracle: leaves have grown from the Pope’s staff, offering hope of forgiveness.