Tristan und Isolde

Richard Wagner (1813–1883)

DESCRIPTION

Birgit Nilsson and Wolfgang Windgassen, as Isolde and Tristan respectively, form one of the most iconic operatic duos of all time. Their voices, capable of extraordinary power and stamina, are matched by a lyricism that brings rare emotional depth to Wagner's music. Jerome Hines is equally compelling as King Marke, delivering a performance that is both dignified and moving. While the sound is slightly muffled and does not quite meet the standard of other Bayreuth broadcasts from the 1950s, this performance is still a treasure.

CAST

Tristan – Wolfgang Windgassen
Isolde – Birgit Nilsson
Brangäne – Grace Hoffman
Kurwenal – Frans Andersson
König Marke – Jerome Hines
Melot – Fritz Uhl
Ein junger Seemann – Georg Paskuda
Ein Hirt – Hermann Winkler
Steuermann – Donald Bell

DETAILS

Location: Bayreuth
Date: August 8, 1959
Conductor: Wolfgang Sawallisch
Catalogue Number: OD 12056-3
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 3
In Mono

NOTE

A few minutes are missing from King Marke’s monologue, the Act III prelude, and Tristan’s “Und drauf Isolde” soliloquy, but what remains captures these artists at their peak.

Act I

Act II

Act III