Wagner - Tristan Und Isolde (Barenboim)For me this production by Pierre Chereau of Tristan has no weaknesses and is a great achievement.
Ian Storey (Tristan) is an English singer working on the continent who was suddenly catapulted into the role of Tristan (he had never seen the opera) at La Scala in one of the most important productions of recent years, learning the role in an incredibly short period. The result is a very impressive performance, although up until the Act 11 Love duet it feels somewhat a work in progress, however from then on he finds his feet and all is fine.
Waltaud Meier is at the top of her game, and with Matti Salinen as King Marke and a fine Kuwenal in Gerd Grochkowski, and a very attentive Brangane of Michelle De Young the vocal side is excellent.
The staging comprises a towering wall at the back of the stage with large doors, and props moving in and out as necessary, this works exceptionally well.
The well recorded La Scala orchestra under Barenboim is superb.
The only reservation I have is the staging of Act 111 requires constant switching between wide angle and close up filming without transitional effects, however as zooming or wiping would have quickly become even more irritating this seems the only solution.
The thunderous applause that never seems to end after Act 111 says it all.
BUY!