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. Original production supported by the ENO audience in association with English National Opera Trust.

Cast/Performers

David Rendall (Tristan), Susan Bollock (Isolde), Jane Irwin (Brangane), Matthew Best (King Marke), Jonathan Summers (Kurwenal), Leigh Melrose (Melot), Rhys Meirion (Sailor), Alasdair Elliott (Shepherd)

Creatives/Company

Music: Wagner
Lyrics: Wagner
Company: English National Opera
Conductor: Dietfried Bernet
Director: David Alden
Design: Ian MacNeil
Lighting: Wolfgang Gobbel
Translation: Andrew Porter