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Easy peasy "Tannhäuser" quiz

Here's a quiz on Richard Wagner's "Tannhäuser," an opera about a lovelorn minnesinger. References include Wikipedia and the 1982 version of the opera on DVD.

A multiple-choice quiz by jsusfreak. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
jsusfreak

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
291,908

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
215

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. At the beginning of the opera, where do we find Tannhäuser? Hint

In a forest

In Venusberg

In a tavern

In Rome

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Question 2 of 10

2. Who is Tannhäuser's friend? Hint

Thomas

Wolfram

Bernd

Hermann

3. For the moment, Tannhäuser breaks free of Venus' influence and goes back to Wartberg, a castle owned by a landgrave. At first, he refuses to go but then decides to go anyway after being told (by his fellow minnesingers) that the landgrave's virtuous niece, Elisabeth, has feelings for him because of a song he he had sung earlier. There is also a singing contest being held as well. What is the prize of this singing contest? Hint

A huge pension.

None of these.

A castle in Bavaria.

Anything the person wishes.

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. Who goes first in the singing contest? Hint

Tannhäuser

Walther

Biterolf

Wolfram

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Question 5 of 10

5. After listening to the first singer in the contest, Tannhäuser replies with a song celebrating sensual and erotic love, which offends the crowd of people watching the event (as well as drawing the ire of the knights in attendance). Many people condemn him for his song about sin and lust. Who is the only person that defends him? Hint

Wolfram

Elisabeth

Hermann the landgrave

Biterolf

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Question 6 of 10

6. After he has offended almost everybody at the landgrave's court, Tannhäuser decides to leave Wartberg for what city (in order to atone for his sins)? Hint

Paris

Rome

Jerusalem

Florence

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Question 7 of 10

7. Some time has passed and Elisabeth is seen praying to the Virgin Mary to pardon Tannhäuser's sins and grant him salvation. Who is with her when she is praying? Hint

Her uncle Hermann

No one

A shepherd boy

Wolfram

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. Finally, Tannhäuser returns but he is worn out and delirious. When Wolfram finds him, Tannhäuser tells him that his sins have not been forgiven. He then adds that the pope told him that the only way he would receive salvation is if something sprouted from his walking staff. What would it be? Hint

Leaves

Berries

Flowers

Ivy

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Question 9 of 10

9. Tannhäuser feels that all hope is lost so he calls back to the goddess Venus. Wolfram tries to get him away from Venus' grotto by doing what? Hint

Praying for him.

Pulling him away from Venus' gaze.

Mentioning Elisabeth's name and how she prayed for his salvation.

Singing a song of pure love.

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Tannhäuser is eventually forgiven by God.

True

False

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. At the beginning of the opera, where do we find Tannhäuser?

Answer: In Venusberg

He is seen cavorting with the goddess Venus among several love nymphs in a "place" called Venusberg (like a grotto or a cave). However, he manages to break free from his sensual desires and eventually meets up with his friends.

2. Who is Tannhäuser's friend?

Answer: Wolfram

Wolfram is Tannhäuser's buddy. He eventually helps to break Venus' spell on him.

Answer: Anything the person wishes.

He travels to Wartberg to escape his sensual desires and to win the singing contest (he also hopes to gain the hand of Elisabeth).

4. Who goes first in the singing contest?

Answer: Wolfram

Wolfram sings about pure love and how, like a stream of water, it is to never be disturbed.

Answer: Elisabeth

She defends Tannhäuser from his detractors, saying that they shouldn't be too judgemental with him.

6. After he has offended almost everybody at the landgrave's court, Tannhäuser decides to leave Wartberg for what city (in order to atone for his sins)?

Answer: Rome

He wants to go to Rome to do penance for his transgressions that prevent him from Godly purity. If he was forgiven, he was free to come back to the castle. If he wasn't, then he was forbidden to return.

7. Some time has passed and Elisabeth is seen praying to the Virgin Mary to pardon Tannhäuser's sins and grant him salvation. Who is with her when she is praying?

Answer: Wolfram

Wolfram is secretly in love with Elisabeth but refrains from showing her any affection.

Answer: Leaves

It was the pope's way of saying that Tannhäuser's chances of being saved were pretty slim.

9. Tannhäuser feels that all hope is lost so he calls back to the goddess Venus. Wolfram tries to get him away from Venus' grotto by doing what?

Answer: Mentioning Elisabeth's name and how she prayed for his salvation.

It turns out that Elisabeth offered herself as a sacrifice for Tannhäuser's sins. She died and went to Heaven as an "angel" to intercede to the Virgin Mary on his behalf.

10. Tannhäuser is eventually forgiven by God.

Answer: True

After finding out about Elisabeth's death, Tannhäuser's staff then sprouts leaves which indicates that his sins have been forgiven.

Source: Author jsusfreak

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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