Solo Concerts in Vienna
Andre Rieu and Orchestra
6 & 8 November 2024 - 19:30- Stadthalle Vienna - Hall D
- Info & Tickets
Backstory
Cornwall, governed by King Marke, owes tribute to Ireland. But the hero Tristan, nephew and loyal friend of Marke, defeats the Irish army and slays its leader, Morold. However, Tristan is also injured in the battle and can only be healed by Isolde, Morold’s fiancée. Tristan arrives in Ireland under a false name; Isolde heals his wounds, but then recognises him as the man who killed her future husband. She intends to kill him, but her eyes meet Tristan’s, and the two of them fall in love. But now King Marke is to marry Isolde, and Tristan escorts the bride from Ireland to Cornwall.
Act I
Isolde is distraught: she feels betrayed by Tristan and demands to talk with him. Her handmaid Brangäne tries in vain to calm her down; beside herself, Isolde demands a lethal poison for Tristan and herself to drink. Brangäne is horrified and secretly fills the bowl with a love potion instead. After the two of them have drunk the ‘poison’, the floodgates burst and the two admit their love for one another.
Act II
Tristan and Isolde’s love has to remain a secret now that she is married to Marke. During the night the lovers meet and declare their love for one another, a love that can only be fully realised in death. They are completely enraptured and transfigured in their longing for death. Their secret meetings are discovered, and King Marke confronts the lovers. He tries to understand what has happened, but receives no answer when he asks the reason for Tristan’s betrayal. Tristan rushes forward onto a sword and is seriously injured.
Act III
Kurwenal, Tristan’s friend and confidant, has brought him back to his castle and sent for Isolde, as she alone can heal his wounds. Tristan is racked by feverish imaginings and relives past events. His longing for Isolde intensifies to a point where it is unbearable. When Isolde finally reaches him, he dies. Marke has learnt of the love potion from Brangäne and hastens after Isolde, with the intention of forgiving Tristan and uniting him with Isolde. But Isolde dies a ‘love death’ or Liebestod, entirely transfigured.