Tristan and IsoldeEmotionalism Vs. Duty

By: Richard WagnerPremiered in Munich, Germany

June 10, 1865

Erin Perez ~ Courtney Rea ~ Lara Rudd Jana Schleff ~ Mary Semich

Background

• Originated in the 12th and 13th centuries

• Very popular & well known• Multiple duplications

Tristan waiting by the sea for Isolde

Production

• Libretto was difficult• Roles very demanding

Tristan & Isolde Drink the Love Potion

Road to Success

• Tried to produce in Vienna– Practices did not go well– Deemed unperformable by Vienna &

canceled

• Next production in Munich– Deemed unsingable– Isolde caught a cold & postponed– Premier in June, 1865

Characters

• King Marke• Isolde• Brangane• Tristan• Kurvenal• Melot• Young Shepherd• Young Sailor

Tristan Dies in Isolde’s Arms

King Marke

• Bass Baritone• King of Cornwall• Wants Tristan to Rule• Takes Isolde as a Bride

Isolde

• Soprano• Princess of Ireland• Engaged to Morold• Healing Magic

Brangane

• Mezzo-soprano• Isolde’s Maid• Intermediary• Mother Figure

Tristan

• Tenor•Marke’s Nephew•Injured by Morold•Healed by Isolde

Kurvenal

• Baritone• Knight of Cornwall• Tristan’s Friend• Intermediary & Minstral

Melot

• Baritone• Villain• Knight of Cornwall• Jealous of Tristan

Reading

Story time with Lara

Tristan Says Farewell to Isolde

Music & Themes

• Prelude (heard earlier)

– Prevalence & Eternalness of Love– Tristan chord F, B, D#, G#

• Tristan!--Isolde!--Treuloser Holder! – Duet: Tristan & Isolde– First duet sung simultaneously

Tristan!--Isolde!--Treuloser Holder!

• Duet – Tristan & Isolde– Sung simultaneously– Expressions of Love– Pain of Duty– Sing of Theoretical Ideals

Tristan & Isolde Drink the Love Potion

Emotionialism Vs. Duty

Tristan– Loves Isolde– Duty for Marke

Marke– Loves Tristan & Isolde– Duty for love!

Isolde– Loves Tristan– Duty for Marke

Tristan & Isolde Embracing

The End