Richard Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde" at the Metropolitan Opera
Stuart Skelton, left, as Tristan and Nina Stemme as Isolde. Photo Credit: Sara Krulwich/The New York Times After experiencing the new Metropolitan Opera production of Tristan and Isolde , I am again moved to write a few words, and am grateful for this Blog Spot in which to do it. For those of you who don't know the story of Tristan and Isolde, the tale was made popular during the 12th century through French medieval poetry, inspired by Celtic legend. The knight Tristan is sent by his uncle King Marke to bring him a bride, who happens to be the daughter of the king and queen of Ireland. It is while they are on the ship to Cornwall that Isolde learns that her parents have virtually sold her to King Marke. Of course she is enraged and vows vengeance. Her mother practices the "healing arts" and provides potions for her daughter, including poison to commit suicide (if necessary), and a love potion. She instructs her servant to summon Tristan to her quarters in order to t