Elizabeth Comments

What does happen to Tannhauser at the end? I think he is the least appealing of all of Wagner's heros. His life was touched with radiance by Elizabeth, but he wants something different - a wanton joy - and then that fails him and he's given another chance with Elizabeth which he botches. Has any man come so close to spiritual rapport with a woman of grace only to wreck the gift? AND THE GIVER? The opera is very troubling despite the magnificent music. But Elizabeth continues to love him so for her sake, out of her goodness, we must find the grace to admit this flawed man to our company. Right? That's what Elizabeth would want.