Story in 3 acts
Libretto by the composer
First performed June 10 1865, Nationaltheater, Munich
This production first seen January 19 2019
Sung in German with German & English surtitles
Introductory talks (in German) in the Holzfoyer 30 mins before curtain up, available here shortly before opening night and everywhere where podcasts can be found.
Background: They first met time some time ago when Tristan, who was badly wounded in battle, was nursed back to health by Isolde, even though she knew he was an enemy and her fiancé Morold’s murderer. Act 1 Now peace between the two countries is to be sealed by this Irish princess marrying Tristan’s uncle, King Marke of Cornwall. Tristan, who arranged the match, is bringing her to Cornwall with her confidante, Brangäne. Isolde orders Brangäne to give her the death potion to share with Tristan – to atone for Morold‘s death. Brangäne gives them a love potion instead. Act 2 After King Marke has married his Queen, Tristan and Isolde surrender to their mutual passion, longing for death to set them free. Brangäne’s warnings about being discovered are ignored and the lovers are surprised by King Marke, who is deeply hurt by Tristan’s betrayal. Tristan hurls himself against a weapon being brandished by Marke’s indignant follower Melot. Act 3 Tristan, back in Kareol, his castle, is being tended by his loyal friend Kurwenal, who has sent for Isolde. The only thing keeping Tristan alive are thoughts of Isolde‘s arrival. But she gets there too late, and Tristan dies in her arms.
Richard Wagner revolutionised music with his version of theTristan story, popular since the Middle Ages. His opening Tristan chord paved the way for modern music and encapsulates the core of this tragic love story – an insatiable longing, ceaselessly striving for relief. »Only in the face of death are the lovers able to give themselves unrestrainedly to each other«, said Katharina Thoma, focussing on the subconscious, their past lives, loss and the meaning for life of both protagonists. She explores the reasons for loneliness, which go beyond societal difficulties and external influences in Johannes Leiacker’s clear, focussed space.
