Parsifal
Placido Domingo heads the cast in this concert performance of Wagner's final opera, given last Thursday by the Royal Opera.
Described by Debussy as one of the most beautiful monuments ever raised to music, Parsifal has fascinated audiences since its
Bayreuth premiere on Christmas Day 1878. For over 30 years, it could be seen nowhere else. The story, rich in allegory, is based on a 13th-century German romance and contrasts the Christian community of the Knights of the Grail with the Moorish clan based in Klingsor's castle. The actions and responses of these two groups - and of Kundry who passes between them - provide an image of growing compassion and, finally, redemption.
Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra, conductor Heinz Fricke Acts 1 and 2 7.50 Much Too Much Blood
David Huckvale explores some unexpected connections between
Parsifal and Dracula which reveal
Wagner's fascination with vampires and the supernatural. He asks how this relates to the theories of his time about pure and impure blood.
8.10 Act 3
♦ See Brian Kay : page 42