The Gstaad Menuhin Festival took a bold step by bringing one of Richard Wagner's grand operas to the festival tent stage. Wagner, a composer both revered and controversial, is known for his demanding works. However, with the world-famous tenor Jonas Kaufmann cast in the role of Tristan, musical success was all but assured.

A Draw for Wagnerians and Opera Lovers Alike
Opera enthusiasts flocked to Saanenland, including both die-hard "Wagnerians" and regular festival attendees. They were united in anticipation, ready to be immersed in Wagner's powerful operatic world. The evening began with the prelude to “Parsifal” and continued with the second act of “Tristan und Isolde,” steeped in Celtic mythology. Wagner, who wrote the librettos for his music, has seen these works performed repeatedly at the Bayreuth Festival Theatre and opera houses worldwide.

Setting the Stage with “Parsifal”
As the audience settled in, the Gstaad Festival Orchestra, led by Sir Mark Elder, began with the prelude to "Parsifal." The music set a mystical and solemn tone, with simple yet evocative melodies that showcased the talents of the orchestra. The brass section, in particular, shone brightly under Elder's calm direction. The prelude, lasting 20 minutes, was an atmospheric introduction to Wagner's world, filled with motifs that would later play a significant role in the opera. The performance set the stage for discussion among the audience during the intermission.

 “Tristan und Isolde” Takes Center Stage
The anticipation among the audience grew as the main event approached—the second act of “Tristan und Isolde.” The performance did not disappoint. Mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, as Brangäne, and soprano Camilla Nylund, as Isolde, delivered powerful and captivating performances. Cooke’s luminous mezzo-soprano voice was both bright and sombre, perfectly suited to her role. Nylund, who carried the entire second act, delivered a masterful performance, portraying Isolde’s complex emotions delicately and with power.

Jonas Kaufmann, a tenor celebrated worldwide, met the audience's high expectations with his melodious and versatile voice, expressing a wide range of emotions from tender pleas to intense exclamations. Christof Fischesser, as King Marke, added to the tension with his poignant bass voice, delivering a performance that was both sonorous and convincing. Baritone Todd Boyce, playing Melot, brought the tragic love story to a close with his brief but powerful performance.

The Challenge of Wagner's Content
Wagner's operas are known for their length and complexity, and "Tristan und Isolde" is no exception. The text, filled with dense and often difficult-to-understand passages, tells the nocturnal love story of Tristan and Isolde, who, under the influence of a magic potion, yearn for a love-death that promises eternal fulfillment. This intense romanticism is most famously expressed in the duet “O sink down, night of love.”

The music is symphonic in scale, with the orchestra playing an integral role in expressing the characters' emotions. The Gstaad Festival Orchestra met these high demands with exceptional skill. Each section of the orchestra had its moments to shine, contributing to the overall impact of the performance. Sir Mark Elder guided the ensemble with confidence, expertly coordinating the singers and instrumentalists, ensuring a cohesive and powerful rendition of Wagner's complex work.

A Triumphant, Yet Challenging, Performance
The evening concluded with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The performers were celebrated on the flower-adorned stage for their tremendous, almost superhuman effort, even if Wagner's music is not to everyone's taste. The event was a testament to the power of Wagner’s music and the skill of the performers, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Based on AvS | KLAUS BURKHALTER*