Pilgrim's Chorus (from Tannhäuser)

One of Richard Wagner's greatest works is the opera Tannhäuser. Well-known to players and audiences alike, the "Pilgrim's Chorus" from this masterpiece embodies the rich harmonic and melodic textures for which Wagner is known. From the dark opening melody to the more brilliant section, it lends itself extremely well to the concert band idiom and makes a welcome addition to any program.