GRAND OPERA LIBRETTOS
GERMAN AND ENGLISH TEXT AND MUSIC OF THE LEADING MOTIVES
TRISTAN UND ISOLDE
(TRISTAN AND ISOLDA)
BY
WAGNER
OLIVER DITSON COMPANY
BOSTON
CHAS. H. DITSON & CO
New York
LYON & HEALY
Chicago
TRISTAN AND ISOLDA
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
BY
RICHARD WAGNER
BOSTON
OLIVER DITSON COMPANY
CHAS. H. DITSON & CO.
NEW YORK
LYON & HEALY
CHICAGO
THE STORY OF "TRISTAN AND ISOLDA"
ACT I
Tristan, a valiant Cornish knight, is bringing Isolda, princessof Ireland, over as a bride for his uncle, King Mark. He is himselfin love with her, but owing to a blood feud between them, forceshimself to conceal his passion. Isolda, in anger at his seemingunkindness, attempts to poison herself and him, but her attendant,Brangæna, changes the draft for a love potion, which enflamestheir passion beyond power of restraint.
ACT II
Isolda has been wedded to King Mark, but holds stolen interviewswith Tristan, during one of which they are surprised, for Tristanhas been betrayed by a jealous friend, Melot. Touched by KingMark's bitter reproaches, Tristan provokes Melot to fight andsuffers himself to be mortally wounded.
ACT III
Tristan's faithful servant, Kurvenal, has carried his woundedmaster to his native home in Brittany, where he is carefullytended. Isolda has also been sent for, as being skilled above allothers in the healing art. The excitement of her approach onlyhastens Tristan's death, and he breathes his last sigh in her arms.Mark has followed Isolda; he has had matters explained, and isprepared to reunite the lovers, but it is too late. Isolda uttersher lament over the body of her lover, and her heart breaks: indeath alone are they united.
| DRAMATIS PERSONÆ | ||
| TRISTAN | MELOT | |
| KING MARK | BRANGÆNA | |
| ISOLDA | A SHEPHERD | |
| KURVENAL | A STEERSMAN | |
| SAILORS, KNIGHTS, AND ESQUIRES | ||
TRISTAN AND ISOLDA.
ACT I.
[A pavilion erected on the deck of a ship, richly hung withtapestry, quite closed in at back at first. A narrow hatchway atone side leads below into the cabin.]
SCENE I.
ISOLDA on a couch, her face buried in the cushions.—BRANGÆNA holding open a curtain, looks over the sideof the vessel.
THE VOICE OF A YOUNG SAILOR (from above as if at themast-head).
ISOLDA (starting up suddenly).
What wight dares insult me?
(She looks round in agitation...