This past Saturday evening we had dinner with our dear talented friends, the designer Jonathan Fong and his partner the playwright Greg Phillips.
As is so often the case with these fine gentleman they came bearing gifts, in this case a novel The Metropolis Case by Matthew Gallaway. The novel is centered upon Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde; my thoughtful friends knowing of our love for opera, Wagner in particular, thought it would make a fine gift.
It is indeed, thank you fellows.
Always in search for a topic to explore, I found myself revisiting this opera, the Liebestod of course in particular.
Tristan and Isolde with the Potion
1916
private collection
Having in my youth read the Loomis edition of Medieval Romances I was as hooked as dear Ludwig II on the legend of our doomed lovers. It was not until my young adulthood that I finally heard the Liebestod. Like those before me I too fell under its spell.
The dog-eared volume that started my romance.
Tristan and Isolde
1902
Tristan and Isolde
1901
A very curious window, by an unknown artist, the doomed lovers portrayed by Lillie Langtry and the future Edward VII, 1890.
Of course one cannot think of the Tristan-Isolde myth without thinking of Ludwig II and his dream castle Neuschwanstein. Often disparaged as a pastiche chock-a-block with second rate decorative paintings and overblown mock Medieval decor; from my perspective, it is amazing.
Just as my heart sings at the rich allegory so dear to William Burges, Ludwig’s medievalism speaks to my soul. The decorative panels by the overworked and under-rated artist August Spiess of particular interest.
Tristan and Isolde
1881
Neuschwanstein
Typical of the thorough attention to detail is this incredible Tristan and Isolde stove found in Ludwig’s bedroom.
Bedroom -Neuschwanstein
I frankly cannot resist popping in this image of the well known Burges “fire-castle” found at Cardiff Castle.
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Wales
renovated 1868
It was with great difficulty that Wagner’s poem finally found its way to the stage.
Ludwig II through his devotion, purse and mad infatuation for his “Holy One” was finally able to swoon in solitary royal splendor to the Liebestod on July 10th 1865.
Although I of course do not have a recording from that premier, in which Malvina Schnorr was Isolde; I offer the divine Deborah Voigt.
The following performance is quite moving and poetic-stunning.
Malvina Schnorr von Carolsfeld
b. 7th December 1825
d. 8th February 1904
Following opening night a limp Ludwig gushed to his beloved Richard:
“Unique One! Holy One!
How glorious!- Perfect. So full of rapture!… To drown…to sink down- unconscious- supreme joy.
Divine work!”
(I could not have expressed my sentiments more eloquently, though perhaps I would have added a few more exclamation points.)
The tenor,who personified Tristan to Wagner and to Ludwig, tragically died after only four performance of the roles he and his wife Malvina created.
Ludwig Scnorr von Carolsfeld was only 29 when he died.
His final words:
” Farewell, Siegried! Console my Richard!”
b. 2nd July 1836
d. 21st July 1865
Recquiscat in Pace
I of course adore Voigt,
I adore Jane Eaglen,
but my heart will always remain true to Jessye, she is my Isolde.
Thank you Ludwig
Ludwig II
1865
And of course thank you oh Unique One, oh Holy One
take care,
Babylon Baroque