Hybridised Performance: Disruption and Deferment in Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde

Abstract

The following focusses on aspects of hybridised multi-layered performance as seen in Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde, recently in a new production at the English National Opera (ENO). The notion of Wagner’s, ‘Gessamtkunstwerk’ (his own spelling) is particularly relevant, as are the influences of Schopenhauer’s ‘Philosophy of Pessimism’ and to a lesser extent Nietzsche’s apologias. There are nuances within music and libretto which invoke all of these in the work’s treatment of Liebestod, self-immolating romantic passion. This production was conducted by Edward Gardner, directed by Daniel Kramer, and designed by Anish Kapoor with digital assistance from Frieder Weiss.