Tristan and Isolde

Based on a medieval legend of Celtic origin, the libretto of Tristan und Isolde – written by Richard Wagner himself – expresses a rich constellation of cultural references which range from Buddhism to the theatre of Calderón and the philosophies of Feuerbach and Schopenhauer. Arranged around the pairs of eros/thanatos, obligation/instinct and conscience/ subconscious, these associations suggest a vanguard dramatic setting which looked nearly half a century ahead to the birth of modern psychology. With his score, Wagner not only marked a point of no return in the evolution of tonality and, with that, of Western music, but he also expressed in musical terms -  by means of ample crescendos, compelling climaxes and profound anticlimaxes -   the distinct moments of our most basic impulse: sexuality.

Definitely considered one of the five most influential and indisputable operas of all time, we will enjoy a semi-staged version, conducted by Semyon Bychkov, who is a most sought after conductor of Wagner at present.    

Opera in three acts

Music and libretto by Richard Wagner (1813-1883)

Premiere in Munich, 10 June 1885

Premiere at the Teatro Real, February 5, 1911

Semi-staged concert version

Artistic team

Musical Conductor | Semyon Bychkov

Chorus Director | Andrés Máspero

Cast

Tristan | Andreas Schager 

The King Marke | Franz-Josef Selig 

Isolde | Catherine Foster

Kurwenal | Thomas Johannes Mayer - 25, 29 Apr

                    Brian Mulligan - 3,6 May  

Melot | Neal Cooper 

Brangäne | Ekaterina Gubanova

A sheperd | Jorge Rodríguez-Norton 

A sailor | Alejandro del Cerro 

A helmsman | David Lagares 

Principal Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Real

This performance will last approximately 5 hours, including two intervals.