Details

First performed 1865. Set in the time of legend. A ship between Ireland and Cornwall with Tristan taking Isolde to be the bride of the King of Cornwall. Tristan refuses to see Isolde on the ship as he was wounded in slaying her original betrothed though she'd nursed him back. She tells Brangane, her attendant, to prepare them a poison but she substitutes a love potion and they declare their mutual love. Isolde marries the king but meets Tristan secretly, until they are discovered and the king is distraught and Tristan lets himself be wounded in a fight with the kings friend Merlot before leaving for Brittany. Waiting for Isolde to come Tristan is sad but when she does arrive he tears off his bandages and dies in her arms, meanwhile a ship bearing Merlot arrives and he and Tristan's servant Kurwenal die fighting each other - though actually Merlot had come to forgive Tristan. Sung in German with English surtitles. Running time 5 hours 30 minutes. Sponsored (2000) by the Benefactors' Circle and The Friends of Covent Garden.

Cast/Performers

Ben Heppner (Tristan), Gabriele Schnaut (Isolde), Alan Titus (Kurwenal), Petra Lang (Brangane), Robert Lloyd (King Marke), Quentin Hayes (Melot), Peter Auty (Sailor), Alfred Boe (Shepherd), Grant Doyle (Steerman)

Creatives/Company

Music: Wagner
Lyrics: Wagner
Company: Royal Opera
Conductor: Bernard Haitink