Richard Wagner's 1865 opera about a knight who falls in love with his king's betrothed (with tragic results) is less a realistic story than a musical-philosophical rumination on the eternal opposites of light and darkness, love and hatred, life and death, and (as vocal consultant Richard Trimborn notes in a DVD extra) Western and Eastern perspectives on existence. Tristan und Isolde is a supremely influential work but also one that—due to its length, static dramaturgy, and extraordinary vocal and orchestral demands—can be punishing for performers and (when poorly done) the audience. This well-received 2007 production marked the first Wagner staging ever at England's Glyndebourne Festival (made possible by a new, larger opera house). It's hardly a naturalistic take: the single set consists of interlocking spirals of stairs (although the costumes are suggestive of period and rank), but this space, thanks to the play of light and shadow, proves impressive. More important, the performance is a generally fine one, though at points a bit undernourished. The London Philharmonic plays with sensitivity and power, but not richly, and while Nina Stemme is a ravishing Isolde, Robert Gambill isn't quite her equal as Tristan, though his third act mad scene is well handled (the supporting cast is excellent except for an unsteady Brangäne). In summary, this is a very good Tristan und Isolde but not quite great, boasting superb sound (in DTS and LPCM stereo) and camerawork that is fluid but rather unimaginative. DVD extras include the aforementioned lecture by Trimborn, an illustrated synopsis, a cast gallery and biographies, an hour-long behind-the-scenes documentary, and a brief montage depicting the construction of the set. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Tristan und Isolde
(2007) 3 discs. 358 min. In German w/English subtitles. DVD: $58.98 (booklet included). Opus Arte (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 23, Issue 3
Tristan und Isolde
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