Wagner: Tristan und Isoldeby Anonymous

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April 27, 2007: Christine Brewer may not be a household name even among committed Wagnerians...yet...but her careful, thoughtful emergence into the impossibly difficult role of Isolde in TRISTAN UND ISOLDE is well documented in this release of the entire opera, a recording dating back to concert performances from 2002 with Donald Runnicles conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra. For this listener the release of Brewer's complete Isolde is a bit early as hearing her transform herself into owning the role has produced a far greater Isolde than that committed to this recording. Yet the performance is solid and moving and does give the world a starting vantage from which to view the progress of this great Wagnerian soprano. Christine Brewer is blessed with a huge voice that can whisper with urgency and rise to the high notes with utter ease and bloom like few other sopranos today. Her Isolde has grown gradually through the experiences she has gained as the sole constant in the now famous TRISTAN PROJECT, a multimedia performance created by Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bill Viola's inimitable video art projections behind the orchestra, and Peter Sellars' innovative placement of singers and chorus throughout the hall. The original productions were in 2004 in Los Angeles followed by highly regarded performances in Paris, and now repeated in Los Angeles in 2007 as a completely polished work only to travel now intact to New York City. Throughout these performances Christine Brewer has grown as an Isolde more multifaceted in vocal splendor as well as in understanding the complexities of Isolde's plight. Hearing her now is revelatory, an Isolde to match those of the greats. This complete version of TRISTAN UND ISOLDE is well crafted by conductor Donald Runnicles, a man who finds the erotic sweep of the music, building climaxes solidly and offering collaborative support to his singers. Brewer's performance is excellent though not nearly as richly sung in 2002 as in 2007! Her Tristan is in firm hands with John Treleaven who matches Brewer well enough in the Act Two love passion but truly excels in his Act Three delirium. The Brangane of Dagmar Peckova is especially strong as is the King Marke of Peter Rose and the Kurnewal of Boaz Daniel. An added pleasure is the voice of the then unknown Jonathan Lemalu is the tiny role of the Steersman! Though one would hope the now-mature Christine Brewer will record her current glorious Isolde, this is a very fine, atmospheric, well executed and recorded TRISTAN UND ISOLDE and will always be important, not only as a solid performance, but also as the first version of Brewer's young Isolde. Highly recommended. Grady Harp