Richard Wagner's grandsons were at it again. Last year they shocked old-line Wagnerites by ditching the old three-dimensional scenery, stripping heroines of their winged helmets, and generally flouting sacred traditions. Last week, continuing to modernize grandfather, they opened the second postwar season at Bayreuth with a streamlined version of Tristan and Isolde.
Designer Wieland Wagner achieved most of his atmosphere by the use of lighting effects rather than scenery, and his sets contained a minimum of props. Act I was furnished with a single couch for Isolde (not a sign of the usual sail or sailors); there was no castle in Act...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
