Tristan und Isolde

Had leads René Kollo and Gwyneth Jones performed Richard Wagner's 1865 opera 20 years before this 1993 production, mounted at the Deutsche Oper in Berlin, this might have been a Tristan und Isolde for the ages. Unfortunately, both are in their mid-50s here—well past their prime—and while one might overlook the fact that they're too old to be convincing in this tale of the doomed love of a young knight for the maiden betrothed to the king whom he serves, their voices simply haven't retained the steadiness and bloom required by the demanding score. Kollo's tenor hardened over the years, whereas the richness of Jones' vocalism (which once compensated for her tendency to let passion overwhelm control) had by the '90s developed a pronounced wobble, with both upper and lower registers displaying serious strain. Some may feel that the pair's acting skills make up for any vocal failings, but that's a difficult proposition to defend over nearly four hours. The supporting cast—with Robert Lloyd as King Marke, Hanna Schwarz as Isolde's maid Brangäne, and Gerd Feldhoff as Tristan's friend Kurwenal—are more than adequate, the sets and costumes are solidly traditional, and Jiri Kout's conducting is proficient, if unexceptional. But Tristan und Isolde requires great singing from the leads, and while the spirit is clearly willing here, the execution falls short. A better choice here—although not without its own flaws—would be the 2007 Glyndebourne production (VL-5/08). Presented in LPCM stereo, this is not a necessary purchase. (F. Swietek)