Wagner: Tristan & Isolde [Blu-ray] [2009] [2010]

Tristan and Isolde was composed during a break in the composition of the Ring cycle. Writing the story first as a love poem and then setting the music, Wagner created perhaps the most beautiful love-poem in all opera. This typically lengthy work is almost devoid of action, but the performers need excellent acting skills to convey the emotional and psychological feelings and interactions of the characters. And it goes without saying, that only singers of the highest calibre are capable of handling this most demanding work. For those who lack patience and demand action, this work is not for you - yet. But the listener with a more mature perspective is rewarded with some of the most beautiful music in the operatic repertoire.

A demanding work demands performers of the highest calibre. Nina Stemme as Isolde, and Robert Gambill s Tristan, meet the challenge superbly with brilliant performances that reveal all the psychological subtleties of their characters. And although the cast members are all excellent, Katarina Karnéus as Brangäne must also rate a special mention.

For this production, Stage Director Nikolaus Lehnhoff elected to use a simple but exquisite abstract set by Roland Aeschlimann, with its womb-like feel being well-suited to the work. Complimented by subtle but brilliant lighting design, these factors allow the performers to give full expression to this masterpiece. The London Philharmonic rise above themselves, and combined with the Glyndebourne Chorus, respond to every nuance of conductor, Jirí Belohlávek's highly perceptive interpretation.

I have several versions of the work, and I had to discard the Met production for its contrived camera work. No such problems here. Recorded with High Definition digital cameras, the image is very sharp, and camera work and editing have provided the viewer with an excellent perspective of the performance. Sound is simply brilliant. I first had this version on DVD, but it is so close to perfection, that I had to have it on Blu-ray. The DVD was of the highest technical quality, it forebode a wonderful Blu-ray version, and I was not disappointed. Without doubt, this is my number one version of Tristan and Isolde.

Having seen the review claiming this to be significantly cut caused me recently, to do a search. Other performances, Blu-ray or DVD ALL time at around 100 minutes shorter than this version, Now, although unstated, this timing of almost 360 minutes may include the documentary content as well, but although I haven't timed it, I doubt it runs for 100 minutes. The main documentary ony ran for around 15 min., so I am afraid said reviewer is to be frustrated if he thinks he can obtain a "more complete" version. And another note. Anyone familiar with opera performances, knows that cuts are a standard event. The conductor makes these to marry the production with his interpretation. This can vary from the odd bar here and there, to complete scenes. One PS. There is a performance (DVD only) available in Europe that is a little longer than this; and its under Barenboim, a brilliant Wagnerian. However, I didn't look to see how much "documentary" material is included in the "longer version". At its price, I would guess it's not worth the expenditure.

Technical details: 1080i High Definition 16:9 with the option of 2.0 or 5.0 Dolby True HD audio presenting superb sound and just the right balance between singers and orchestra.

I am a person who hates cuts and am of an opinion that if you don't want to watch/listen to a Wagner opera without cuts then don't watch/listen to it at all. I tolerate it in old recordings (30's and 40's) from the Met and Covent Garden, but most certainly not of something that is from in this day and age.
With this in mind I have to say that this otherwise wonderful performance is cut in the 2nd act. 10 minutes of wonderful music is cut from a performance done in the 21st Century. Incredible, right?
I thought that all the singers, especially Stemme and Pape were wonderful. The sound was good but could be better, not being even in the same league as the wonderful Bayreuth performance with Schneider.
Stemme is such a wonder as Isolde. She projects both strength and power, in addition to beauty and youth, like no one else nowadays. Gambill was quite good and his acting was good. Pape's Marke too was wonderful, so heartfelt and beautiful, like his performance for Levine (but supported by a much better conductor this time around).

Again I wish to stress the fact why I gave it three stars instead of five. The opera is cut. Knowing myself, I wouldn't have bought the Blu-ray if I knew this fact. I find this a serious offense that it warrants the removal of two stars from the rating. If the performance was done of the uncut opera I would have given it five stars. It seems like we still have to look toward Bayreuth to be guaranteed an uncut performance of a Wagner opera.

What a disappointment, and a hugely expensive one to purchase at that. This is a Nikolaus Lehnoff production, and as such is absolutely stunning it its presentation. Unfortunately, they must have used a high school student as a sound engineer and you can hardly hear the singers. Lehnoff had the same problem with his Tannhäuser, but solved it admirably with his Lohengrin and Parsifal. I recommend the last two highly, but not this Tristan. Don't get me wrong. The sound of the orchestra here is sublime, but the singing is drowned out and indistinct despite the noblest efforts of the cast. Singers at the back of the stage are virtually mute. It looks as if they are miming in a silent film with loud music. Those at the front are only marginally better off. You certainly can't understand them, unlike the singers in the suberb Deutsche Grammophon Barenboim Bayreuth Tristan (also on DVD). In that production, Siegfried Jerusalem and Waltraud Meier give you goose bumps. The only singers you can hear clearly in this Opus Arte Tristan are those who sing off-stage directly into the mike. What a disservice to the performers! I would have loved to have heard them. Must have been an experience to be in the hall.