Though popularity for Wagner’s Tannhäuser in its original Dresden (1845) version spread rapidly, Wagner frequently felt drawn to make minor alterations to the score. An Imperial command to produce it in Paris in 1861 prompted the more substantial revisions which distinguish the Paris version from the Dresden and even though the first three performances in Paris were such an unmitigated disaster that Wagner withdrew both the opera and himself, he clearly felt that the new version was preferable to the old, once it had been restored to German. From the outset of Decca’s recording project with Solti there was no doubt that this would be the version used, though under the umbrella-title of “Paris version” several choices still have to be made. It was felt quite simply that Tannhäuser becomes an even greater work by virtue of the revisions.

Georg Solti’s readings of Wagner’s great operas are among the most thrilling experiences on record. The evenness and strength of the cast is balanced with the brilliance of the Wiener Philharmoniker and recorded with the renowned Decca clarity and richness with productions given the revered Decca/Minshull touch.

“This remains one of his most successful Wagner interpretations, particularly so where the additions to the Venusberg scene are concerned, because there he responds to the lushness and sensuality of the post-Tristan harmonies. They are also magnificently played by the Vienna Philharmonic in superb form and sung by Christa Ludwig whose Venus is one of her most telling contributions to the gramophone.” – Gramophone

- Tannhäuser presented in 5.1 Surround Sound on one Blu-ray Audio disc and mastered at 24-bit/96kHz from the never-before released 1970 experimental quadraphonic tapes

- 3CDs + High Fidelity Pure Audio Blu-ray disc containing the complete opera in 24-bit audio Deluxe hard-back edition with original cover

- Includes libretto, and synopsis both with English, German and French translations

- Mastering from original analogue sources by former Decca engineer, Paschal Byrne (Audio Archiving Ltd)

- Limited edition set