The newest release in the EMI Classics Opera on DVD series is a stunning production of Wagnerœs masterpiece Tannhauser from the Zurich Opera conducted by Franz Welser-Most, featuring Peter Sieffert (Tannhauser), Solveig Kringelborn (Elisabeth), and Thomas Hampson (von Eschenbach). Initially produced in Dresden in 1845, Tannhauser provoked by a few ardent friends and admirers, among them Schumann and Liszt. The history of the Zurich Opera is rich in cultural highlights: In 1913, Wagnerœs "Parsifal" was given its first legal performance outside of Bayreuth; Wilhelm Furtwangler began his career here; Franz Lehar and Richard Strauss came to supervise performances of their own works; and Carlos Kleiber conducted operettas. This performance of Tannhauser on DVD is a welcome addition to this great tradition.

Libretto by the composer. Program notes and synopsis in English in container.