"Tristan Makes History with His Sizzling Performance"
A Stunning Performance of Wagner’s "Tristan und Isolde" at the Lanaudière Festival 2025
The Lanaudière Festival 2025 culminated in a memorable concert performance of Wagner’s "Tristan und Isolde" by the Metropolitan Opera, marking a significant moment in the festival’s 48th edition. Conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the performance was led by renowned artists such as Stuart Skelton, Tamara Wilson, and Franz-Joseph Selig.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin's interpretation emphasized the orchestra's role in the opera, particularly the oboe and altos or violins. The Metropolitan Orchestra held up gloriously from 4:17 PM to 8:55 PM (including intermissions), delivering worked and accurate sonorities.
Skelton, a Tristan specialist for years, delivered a poignant performance, particularly in Act III. His portrayal was all the more affecting due to signs of vocal fatigue in the last minutes of Act II. Tamara Wilson, on the other hand, delivered a stunning performance as Isolde. Her work on the role, attitudes, and undertones was masterful, and she exhibited remarkable control, emotion, and nuance in the final air.
Karen Cargill's portrayal of Brangäne was not the most coppery in history, but her dramatic presence was notable. Franz-Joseph Selig, at 63, is considered one of the most impressive basses in the world, with exemplary diction. Christopher Maltman has developed an impressive profile in the role of Kurwenal, which was not initially expected of him. His performance in the role was credible, with a voice at its peak and accurate interactions in Act 3.
The little-used forces in the performance, including Geoffrey Schellenberg, Matthew Cairns, Sean Michael Plumb, and the choir in Act I, were also praised for their performances. The concert representation allowed for the grasping of all nuances, with Nézet-Séguin using space successfully for distancing effects.
The performance comes three months after a Symphony No. 9 by Schubert that was also highly praised. The prospect of a potential revival of the opera in two or three seasons at the Maison symphonique is suggested, with Wilson and Michael Spyres in the leading roles, along with a Quebecois Brangäne. This revival is expected to leave a significant impact on Nézet-Séguin’s career as an interpreter.
Tristan und Isolde is described as a kaleidoscope of unity around varied themes. Nézet-Séguin compared it to a "gift from heaven." The performance is compared to a historic moment in the festival’s history, underlining its cultural importance in Canadian and international music scenes. This concert performance of Wagner’s "Tristan und Isolde" is a testament to the artistic excellence and leadership of Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Orchestre Métropolitain.
The performance of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" at the Lanaudière Festival 2025 was a significant moment in the festival's history, marking a cultural milestone in Canadian entertainment. The masterful portrayal of Isolde by Tamara Wilson showcased the rich tapestry of emotion and nuance found within the opera's music.
