Wagner Leitmotifs
8 Rhinegold : Der Ring Des Nibelungen
updated
This motif, again, as throughout the opera, takes on the character of a hymn. It is sung just after Tannhäuser has died, having been redeemed by Elizabeth as Saint. The second half is taken from the Pardon motif.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
Pardon: http://youtu.be/Hr4-Dw-q_6A
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents the terrible cloud under which Tannhäuser has returned from his pilgrimage to Rome, after the pontiff refused to pardon him, but cursed him to eternal damnation.
This combination of sustained buzzing brass and a swift rising chromatic figure was later appropriated by Wagner for the ring cycle to represent Alberich's hatred.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Hate (Der Ring Des Nibelungen): http://youtu.be/m6__688SADI
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This is the last part of Wolfram's hymn to Dusk, where he praises the Evening Star, a symbol for Elizabeth who has ascended the mountain to the Wartburg and in so doing, dies and is beautified into a saint. Wolfram is lamenting at the loss of she to whom he has always had a faithful love.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This song, Wolfram sings alone, after Elizabeth has retreated into the Wartburg to die. It is a sort of eulogy for Elizabeth, and he sings: "Wie Todesahnung Dämmrung deckt die Lande" ("Dusk covers the land like a foreboding of death")
This motif borrows from Elizabeth's Prayer.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
Elizabeth's Prayer: http://youtu.be/IuVlLUvAw_0
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This is a favourite part of the opera for many, though some criticise Elizabeth's prayer (in it's entirety) for being too long; certainly it requires the best singer to bring the required colour to it, since the only accompaniment in the orchestra is light woodwind.
Elizabeth is praying to the Virgin Mary for salvation both for her soul, which she knows is soon to be taken from her body, and for the soul of the soon to return Tannhäuser.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Hymn to Dusk: http://youtu.be/OtHtUeZHQiI
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents the pardon Tannhäuser wishes to attain on his pilgrimage to Rome. It is heard as he describes, in scene 3, the sights he saw in Rome of the multitude being pardoned before his turn came up. It later becomes part of the salvation motif.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Salvation: http://youtu.be/uam8Xj5anIU
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This uneasy motif, firs heard as a forbearance of what is to come, insinuates itself most prominently as Tannhäuser tells Wolfram of his disastrous pilgrimage to Rome during which he is denied absolution by the priest. It represents the way Tannhäuser's spirit has been broken utterly at all his effort being for naught.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif is sung as that which Tannhäuser needs to do to atone for his sins is recited. As with much of Tannhäuser, this takes on the air of a hymn, especially in these sections where Wagner has many characters singing at once, in unison or harmony. They are telling Tannhäuser that he must go on a pilgrimage to the city of grace and mercy (Rome).
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif is Elizabeth's plea to the other singers, and knights to spare Tannhäuser's life, after he admits to having been inside the Venusberg, a capitol sin, and metaphor for carnal pleasure, over the more cerebral love advocated for by the other singers, and as dictated by God. She sings: "Ich fleh' für ihn, ich flehe für sein Lieben, zur Busse lenk' er reuevoll den Schritt!" ("I plead for him, and for his life I plead, full of remorse may he to penance wend")
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif is sung to the words: "Dir, hohe liebe, tönne begeistert mein Gesang" ("To you, high love, resound my song inspired"). It represents Wolfram giving himself over the the gift of love sent to him by God.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif is heard as Landgrave introduces the singing competition, throughout his speech, only the first few notes are repeated.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This final development of the entrance of the guests motifs heralds the arrival of the singers to the singing competition.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
Entrance of the Guests a: http://youtu.be/i1FrE2OyKxs
Entrance of the Guests b: http://youtu.be/My0r1IaCMVQ
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This development of the first entrance of the guests motif signifies the entrance of more important guests, knights and nobles for example.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
Entrance of the Guests a: http://youtu.be/i1FrE2OyKxs
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Singers: http://youtu.be/m-1N1xAzXMk
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This stately and sedate motif first introduces the guests as they enter the hall for the singing competition. It becomes more developed in the second segment as the more important guests arrive, and more so as the Singers enter.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Entrance of the Guests b: http://youtu.be/My0r1IaCMVQ
Singers: http://youtu.be/m-1N1xAzXMk
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This fanfare preludes the arrival of the guests and singers for the singing competition. This will insinuate itself through the long passage as the guests arrive.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif finally (after their confusion) celebrated the two lover's joy at being together. Derived from the love motif, it incorporates the turns as a spark of tenderness.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
Love: http://youtu.be/Imzy8AJ5Rjw
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This fast climbing motif joins in the union of Elizabeth's and Tannhäuser's voices as they praise their coming-together, even in their bewilderment as to how it came about.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents Elizabeth's confusion at Tannhäuser's abortive telling of what happened to him during his time apart. The notion that his return is a real life miracle leads her to say that she is "Im traum bin ich und tör'ger als ein kind" ("In a dream, and as powerless as a child").
The motif is haltingly played on the oboe, and enigmatic instrument, and the last two chromatic notes are unexpected and uneasy after the apparent resolution of the motif on the F.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif signifies the love between Elizabeth and Tannhäuser as it blossoms when they reunite. The turn on the minim/dotted rhythm represents a spark of tenderness between then, and is a feature of much of the music of their duets throughout the opera.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Delight: http://youtu.be/R9w1g4HKQ50
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
Elizabeth sings her praise to the hall of the singers, praising how it inspires the singers to their songs.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents the carefree bliss of Elizabeth in her castle, the Wartburg. This sense is achieved by the sprightly, fast rhythms, and the bright major chords on the high sustained notes.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
A number of variations on this sort of figure are heard throughout the argument between Venus and Tannhäuser, as he admits his desire to leave her and return home. The speed and staccatissimo reflects Venus' tempestuous mood.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This simple figure is heard just before Tannhäuser embarks on his song to Venus, there is a similarly distinctive harp introduction to each song in the opera, sometimes just a simple scale upwards.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This bold motif is heard three times as Tannhäuser pleads with Venus to be allowed to return home. The rising notes represent his desperation.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This is the the tune played by a shepherd boy who is sitting on the side of a hill by the Wartburg (Elizabeth's castle) when Tannhäuser re-materialises after his stay with Venus.
Wagner often has a piper who's song can be heard in the music, for example, and important to the plot, in act three of Tristan und Isolde.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
Shepherd's sad song (Tristan und Isolde): http://youtu.be/8udoO04JN5c
Joyous Lay (Tristan und Isolde): http://youtu.be/tLKs4_fdcng
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This is the song sung by the shepherd on the hillside by the Wartburg. The song concerns Holda, a German goddess of agriculture (sometimes conflated with Fricka or Freia, see Der Ring Des Nibelungen).
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This is the tune of the shepherd's dance as the pilgrims walk by along the path below the Wartburg.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This tune is sung as part of the pilgrim's hymn, representing their faith in the true religion.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
These are the hunting horns of the minstrels and heralds their arrival, at which point they will find Tannhäuser and interrogate him. This is something which is seen in Wagner's works, he would have the 12 Horns all back stage in different wings, and they would call unseen to one another, giving the effect that the stage, and indeed the audience are surrounded. another example is in Tristan und Isolde.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
Hunting Call (Tristan und Isolde): http://youtu.be/S08FxWhOljs
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents Tannhäuser's guilt when discovered by his old time friends, woebegone and praying, arriving only just left Venus' decadent cave, surrounded by the holy pilgrims
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This is the tune with which Wolfram greets Tannhäuser thus: "Gegrüsst sei uns, du Kühner Sänger" ("Greeting to you, gallant minstrel").
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This represents the magic Tannhäuser's song seemed to cast on Elizabeth the last time he was at the Wartburg, so that she refused to love another man.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents Tannhäuser's delight at being accepted back into the fold by his long estranged minstrel brothers, and at the prospect of going to see Elizabeth again.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
Also known as Homecoming, or Merciful Salvation, this motif opens the longest overture ever written (I certainly haven't been able to find a longer one) at between 15 and 17 minutes. A stunning work on it's own, the overture is a favourite amongst the repertoire. This motif not only insinuates itself through the overture, but the whole opera, and forms the orgastic climax of the opera. As the name suggests, the tune is simple, like a hymn, a technique Wagner uses a lot, but it is also meant to be thought of very deliberately as a Christian hymn, the song of the holy pilgrims, for it represents goodness and sanctuary, in opposition to the lusty debauchery represented by Venus and the Bacchanal; Tannhäuser will spend the opera torn between the attractions of both of these forces, and this will be represented through the use of this, and other, motifs.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This painful motifs heard, always, as part of a ascending sequence, in juxtaposition to the descending chromatic scale within each figure. It represents Tannhäuser's latent sorrow at having forgone the world of men, and Elizabeth fro the pleasures of Venus.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif is possibly unique in all of Wagner's work, in that it was given it's name by Wagner himself. Wagner, never referred to "leitmotifs", and detested the whole notion of cataloguing them, since they are supposed to work subconsciously.
This fast, panting motif from the violins races over the top of the pilgrims hymn through much of the overture, adding great excitement.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This series of motifs forms the music for the ballet in the overture representing the love orgy inside Venus' cave, even within this short passage of music, many of the motifs are repeated in different orders, and you can start to hear their development through the black sections.
The Bacchanal is a festival in celebration of the god Bacchus (or Dionysus), god of the grape, wine, and ritual madness and ecstasy. On stage, Sirens, nymphs, naiads, satyrs, and fauns are all moving about, chasing one another, and doing the sort of things you might expect on the mountain dwelling place of the goddess of love. This is represented in the music by the sprightly dotted rhythms, and the chromaticism gives the whole scene a magical shimmering feel.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Declaration of Love: http://youtu.be/XvadrKQzsIU
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This sprightly, almost march-like theme sings a fanfare to Venus. It is later heard prominently as the the tune which Tannhäuser sings to Venus with accompanied by his harp, in this context, slowed down slightly, it again takes on the quality of a hymn to Venus.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This haunting motif will later be taken up by Venus as she attempts to woe Tannhäuser back to the delights of the Venusberg (her mountain retreat).
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
In this motif there is a call and response between the aching longing of the soaring violin and the quenching of the Bacchanal segment a motif. Sometimes the longing is heard on its own, in a succession of swooping pangs.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
Bacchanal a: http://youtu.be/rzJg_nHp_qA
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Love (Der Ring des Nibelungen): youtu.be/uZwW6413RO8
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This is the haunting call of the sirens, women who would draw sailors to their deaths on the rocks by the beauty of their voices. They sing "Naht euch dem Strande! Naht euh dem Lande!" ("Draw near to the shore! Draw near to the Land!")
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif, is very clearly the imitation of the sounds of bells, as Tannhäuser relates a dream in which he hear the peal of bells from his homeland (almost as if summoning him home, as worshippers are summoned to a church).
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif is heard in only one passage, as Mime attempts to guile Siegfried into drinking the poisoned drink after slaying Fafner, however after tasting Fafner's blood, Siegfried can hear Mime's thoughts, and so his treachery is revealed. The pizzicato creates the sense on Mime creeping and sneaking about, as does the turn at the start of each part. The falling 7ths add to our unease and mistrust of Mime, especially as the mimics the motif as he sings 'Willkommen, Siegfried!' ('Welcome, Siegfried!').
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents Loge, (demi-)god of fire, and the most cunning of the immortals. Most of the other gods distrust him, however he is the only one who is able to get them out of the problems they make for themselves, and he alone, it seems, senses the folly and danger posed by Valhalla.
The motif is highly chromatic to show the magical, chaotic and uncontrollable nature of fire. The notes seem to flicker just as fire, indeed when there is fire later in the cycle, Loge's motif represents it without he himself being present: at the end of Die Walkure when Brunnhilde is imprisoned, and at the end of Gotterdammerung for her immolation scene.
Each of the segments of this motif are heard separately at various points and in different orders, and they can combine with each other.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
Torch (Tristan und Isolde): http://youtu.be/esQPvVy3Kd0
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Tarnhelm: http://youtu.be/N82zEAbWyT4
Arrogance: http://youtu.be/bDuuifShYzk
Magic Sleep: http://youtu.be/GMXtTlEmms8
Wanderer: http://youtu.be/cGHyqk6OFLQ
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
Der Ring Des Nibelungen Leitmotifs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzFdrDju4Zw&list=PL78TsyiiZjhGNl-civwjVsk_7tn6XG3wh
Leitmotif Families: Coming Soon
Copyright:
Cover Picture:
Bühnenbildentwurf by Josef Hoffman
Public Domain
Title Photo:
Fire! Fire!
Taken by Dave Hogg
www.flickr.com/photos/davehogg
Opera Scene Art:
By Arthur Rackham
Copyrighted, used under fair use for educational purpose
Festspielhaus Photo:
My own
Free from all copyright
Leitmotif Family Tree:
My own
© 2013 all rights reserved, though feel free to contact me
Opening Music:
Brünnhilde's Revival
© 1991 EMI Records, used under Fair Use for educational purposes
Main Music:
Die Walküre Fantasie
Public Domain
musopen.org/music/488/richard-wagner/die-walkure-the-valkyries
On this channel I am cataloguing the Leitmotifs Wagner used in his operas; numbered in order of appearance. Links to the related leitmotifs are provided in the videos' descriptions.
I may go on to document leitmotifs in other works, not by Wagner.
Copyright:
All elements of this video are my own creation, not covered by copyright, or released under a creative commons license as follows.
Cover picture:
'Richard Wagner Büste' taken by Johannes Gärtner
Creative Commons License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en_GB
www.flickr.com/photos/richardwagnerspiele
Music:
Overture to Tannhäuser
Public Domain: creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0
musopen.org/music/489/richard-wagner/overture-to-tannhauser
Sheet Music:
Excerpts from Das Rheingold by Richard Wagner
Public Domain: creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0
Available here: imslp.org/wiki/Der_Ring_des_Nibelungen,_WWV_86_(Wagner,_Richard)
Voice Over:
Text - my own
Recording - my own
Both of which I release without copyright: creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0
This motif is a free transformation of the Wotan's frustration motif heard in act 1 scene 3 of Gotterdammerung, and incorporates the revenge motif sped up. It is associated with Hagen as he claims that Siegfried has broken the bond of Blood Brotherhood, so giving him a reason to kill Siegfried later on.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
Wotan's Frustration: http://youtu.be/mGywnlF9CRc
Restless plotting: youtu.be/czzpBNk8fAo
Revenge: youtu.be/FGVMpwKiZsM
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif accompanies Hagen as he explains to Gutrune how he will make Siegfried fall for her using the forgetfulness potion.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
Purpose of the Sword: http://youtu.be/-sn6rDtKAN4
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents the dawn coming as Alberich leaves after speaking with Hagen as he sleeps. As dawn comes Hagen wakes up, and the day is the day that he will put into effect his plan to get the ring.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
Hagen's Day: http://youtu.be/TtOdIIJZ2sc
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
This motif represents the swearing of the oath of blood brotherhood between Siegfried and Gunther.
Progenitor leitmotifs:
None
Related Leitmotifs:
None
Subsidiary Leitmotifs:
None
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
This video is designed for the purpose of teaching the viewer about the leitmotifs in Wagner's Operas, where they appear and how the work. This clearly comes under the umbrella of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.