WAGNER RICHARD: (1813-1883) German Compo

WAGNER RICHARD: (1813-1883) German Composer. An unusual printed 8vo page annotated by Wagner, being the introduction to a publication relating to the composer's opera Tannhauser, the German text to the recto and verso of the page, removed from a First Edition work published by Schulthess of Zurich, August 1852. At the head of the first page Wagner has added the words 'Programm der Ouvertüre zu Tannhäuser' in his hand. A thin strip of sellotape staining to the left edge, not affecting the printed text or Wagner's holograph annotation. Some very light, minor creasing, about VG £1000 - 1500 Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg (1845) is an opera in three acts with music and text by Wagner, inspired by two German legends. The story centres on the struggle between sacred and profane love, and redemption through love, a theme running through much of Wagner's mature work. Wagner made a number of revisions of the opera throughout his life and was still unsatisfied with its format when he died. The most significant revision was made for the opera's premiere in Paris in 1861. The opera remains a staple of major opera house repertoire in the 21st century.