Tristan und Isolde (Dec. 18, 1999)

Composer: Richard Wagner
Librettist: Richard Wagner

Levine; Eaglen, Dalayman, Heppner, Ketelsen, Pape

Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus

Approximate running time: 3 hrs. 51 min.

Wagner’s retelling of the ancient tale of all consuming love that knows no boundaries is one of the greatest operas ever written. The orchestra is as much a part of the story as the singers on stage, and under James Levine’s inspired leadership the Met orchestra gives one of its greatest performances—by turns yearning, raging, tender, fiery, and always playing with astonishing beauty. The remarkable Ben Heppner (Tristan) and Jane Eaglen (Isolde) are the lovers ensnared by a love beyond their control. René Pape is the anguished King Marke, betrayed by the two people he most loves.