Opera Guide and Synopsis: Tristan and Isolde, by Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde was begun in 1854 and completed in August 1859. It was, however, not premiered until June 10, 1865 in Munich. The story was based on Gottfried von Strassburg's Middle High German romance Tristan und Iseult. The musical structure of the opera follows the dramatic structure, the story of a love which cannot be fulfilled: any kind of musical climax or resolution is denied until the opera's events culminate in Isolde's death, the Liebestod. This innovation makes Tristan and Isolde a highly influential work in the history of opera.

Characters in Tristan and Isolde

• Tristan, a knight (Tenor)
• Isolde, King Marke's promised bride (Soprano)
• Brangäne, Isolde's maid (Mezzo-soprano)
• Kurnewal, Tristan's servant (Baritone)
• Marke, King of Cornwall (Bass)
• Melot, Tristan's friend (Tenor)
• Shepherd (Tenor)
• Steersman (Baritone)
• Sailor (Tenor)

Synopsis of Tristan and Isolde

Act I

A sailor sings about an Irish maid, and Isolde becomes angry, thinking he is referring to her. Isolde sends Brangäne to bring Tristan to her; his servant Kurnewal challenges and mocks her.

Brangäne returns to Isolde, who sadly relates the story of how Tristan killed her fiancé, Morold. He came to her under the name Tantris and she nursed him back to health. When she discovered his true identity she tried to kill him, but could not. Tristan returned, however, to take her back to Cornwall as a bride for his uncle, King Marke.

In order to avoid the pain of a loveless marriage, Isolde asks Brangäne to prepare a death draught, planning to kill Tristan and then herself. Brangäne mistakenly gives her a love potion instead, and she and Tristan fall instantly in love as the ship approaches Cornwall.

Act II

Tristan and Isolde meet at night while King Marke is out hunting. Brangäne warns Isolde that Melot will betray them, but Isolde pays no heed. Tristan and Isolde express their love in metaphysical terms, observing that the day is false because their love can only be expressed in secret at night. Brangäne warns them twice that daylight is approaching, but they cannot leave each other.

Kurnewal enters suddenly to warn them of a betrayal. King Marke and Melot enter with the couriters and witness Isolde and Tristan's unfaithfulness. Melot and Tristan fight, and Tristan is severely wounded.

Act III

Tristan lays wounded at his castle in Brittany. His health is worsening, and Kurnewal has sent for Isolde. Delirious, Tristan believes he sees Isolde's ship. The arrival of the real ship is signaled by a shepherd's tune, and Tristan dies in Isolde's arms.

King Marke and Melot arrive. Kurnewal kills Melot and then dies at his master's feet. Marke reveals that Brangäne told him about the love potion and that, knowing that Tristan did not betray him of his own free will, he wished to let Tristan and Isolde be together. Isolde dies of grief and is finally joined with Tristan in death.

Sources

Melitz, Leo, trans. Richard Salinger. The Opera Goers' Complete Guide. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1921.

Newman, Ernest. Stories of the Great Operas and Their Composers. Garden City: Garden City Publishing Co., Inc., 1930.