Tristan und Isolde

There's no denying that Richard Wagner's 1865 opera, based on the medieval tale of a doomed passion between a young knight and the wife of his king, is one of the most influential musical works of the 19th century—but the long, oddly static piece also makes cruel demands on the orchestra and the three lead singers (as well as, detractors would say, the audience). In this 2004 performance from the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Bertrand de Billy conducts a grave, powerful, well-played reading of the score, which nonetheless sounds more studied than natural, while the singing is extremely variable. Deborah Polaski provides the most consistent vocalism; despite occasional shrillness on top (accentuated at times, it seems, by the microphone placement), she makes a mostly magisterial Isolde. John Treleaven, on the other hand, exhibits a piercing but wobbly tenor as Tristan, though it must be said that he saves his best for his big scene in the final act, and Erik Halfvarson is similarly unsteady as King Mark. The supporting parts are generally well filled, however, and the recording (with DTS and LPCM stereo sound options) is full and rich. Unfortunately, the visual aspects of the production are also disappointing, with drably unattractive sets, plain costumes, and hit-and-miss camerawork. It should also be noted that the husky Polaski and Treleaven are hardly convincing as vibrant young lovers. DVD extras include a photo gallery and an illustrated synopsis. Optional. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)