When was Tristan und Isolde composed by Richard Wagner?
Richard Wagner composed Tristan und Isolde between 1857 and 1859. He deliberately abandoned his epic Ring cycle to focus on this story of insatiable longing and death.
Common questions about Tristan und Isolde
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did the premiere of Tristan und Isolde take place?
The premiere of Tristan und Isolde took place on the 10th of June 1865 at the Königliches Hoftheater und Nationaltheater in Munich. Hans von Bülow conducted the production.
What philosophical influence shaped the composition of Tristan und Isolde?
Richard Wagner discovered the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer in October 1854, which triggered a spiritual and artistic reassessment of his life's work. Schopenhauer's pessimistic worldview emphasizing the primacy of the Will resonated with Wagner's sense of insatiable striving and the futility of human desire.
Who were the lead singers in the premiere of Tristan und Isolde?
The premiere featured Malvina Schnorr von Carolsfeld as Isolde and her husband Ludwig as Tristan. Ludwig died suddenly on the 21st of July 1865 after singing the role only four times.
How long does a typical performance of Tristan und Isolde last?
A performance of Tristan und Isolde typically lasts approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. The opera has been adapted into various forms including concert extracts and digital video downloads.