Tannhäuser

Bayreuth was once criticized for its staid productions of Wagner's operas, but Sebastian Baumgarten's staging of this early masterpiece suggests that the composer's hallowed shrine is now guilty of overcompensating. Set in the Middle Ages, Tannhäuser centers on a knight torn between his lust for physical pleasure and his longing for pure heavenly love. Instead of stately Wartburg castle, Baumgarten situates the opera in a post-apocalyptic factory where biological refuse is recycled into food and alcohol. And the abode of Venus is here a red-lit cage arising from the floor—a place where Tannhäuser cavorts with writhing forms, including a number of dancers costumed as spermatozoa. Wagner's admittedly heavy-handed rumination on human frailty, artistic aspiration, and religious faith is simply overwhelmed by the garish costumes and huge multicolored industrial canisters. The musical performance is much better: Axel Kober conducts a sensitive reading of the score, and both Torsten Kerl as Tannhäuser and Camilla Nylund as Elisabeth—the saintly woman who sacrifices herself to redeem him—are fine. The supporting cast, including Michelle Breedt as Venus, is also excellent. Unfortunately, the misguided production choices make it difficult to appreciate the musical virtues. Presented in DTS-HD 5.1 and Dolby Digital stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, cast and crew interviews, and a cast gallery. Optional, at best. (F. Swietek)