Music
The Tristan Mysteries
A weeklong full-sensory dive into Wagner's groundbreaking masterpiece, Tristan und Isolde
Saturday, April 28 - Friday, May 4, 2007
WNYC presents The Tristan Mysteries, a week long in-depth examination of one of Richard Wagner's most brilliant and enigmatic operas. Highlights include interviews with playwright Terrance McNally; anthropologist Helen Fisher; adult film actress/"Vivid Girl" (and Wagner fanatic) Savanna Samson; choreographer Mark Morris; and acclaimed video artist Bill Viola.
Crafted as a comprehensive Wagnerian universe to accompany the visionary multi-media Tristan Project at Lincoln Center, The Tristan Mysteries offers something for everyone, from the most perfect Wagnerite to the—as yet uninitiated—novice!
WNYC Web Exclusives: Free Tristan Ringtones, Links and Timeline
Slideshow: Production Stills from The Tristan Project
Pledge $75 and The Tristan Mysteries CD is our gift to you!
Browse features by date:
April 28/29 | April 30 | May 01 | May 02 | May 03 | May 04
The Mythic Mystery
Evening Music
April 30, 2007
Listen on Demand
Many thought it was an indecent subject with corrosive music; others found it rocking their bodies, shaking their nerves, and keeping them up all night, crying, and standing "in wonder and terror." In this episode of The Tristan Mysteries, we examine the mythic power of Richard Wagner's Tristan und Isolde—with contributions from both sides of the aisle.
The Sonic Mystery
Evening Music
May 01, 2007
Listen on Demand
What's that famous "Tristan Chord" all about, anyways? We hear from composer Danny Felsenfeld, who takes a look under the hood to reveal the power, beauty and "game" of Wagner's astonishing music—and illustrates how those few simple notes have become part of the musical collective unconscious.
The Five Hour Mystery
Evening Music
May 02, 2007
Airs during Evening Music at 7PM on 93.9 FM
A lot of people are afraid to attend a five-hour opera. It sounds too long, too boring, and what if you fall asleep? Won't people think you're rude? As it turns out, lots of people fall asleep during Tristan, sometimes at the most inconvenient moments. Even opera star Ben Heppner once fell asleep during Tristan—while performing it, no less—and we hear that story from the tenor himself. Also, anthropologist Dr. John Forrest explains why especially long performances can create dramatic psychological and physiological reactions in the audience (with surprising results).
Blue Wagner
Evening Music
May 03, 2007
Listen on Demand
What makes Tristan und Isolde so sexy? Anthropologist Helen Fisher weighs in on just how Tristan gets the juices flowing. Also, adult film actress/"Vivid Girl" (and Tristan fanatic) Savanna Samson chats with George Preston about the lusty side of Wagner's music—and shares recordings of her favorite "sexy-voiced" singers.
Video: Savanna Samson on WNYC's Evening Music
The Visual Mystery
Evening Music
May 04, 2007
Airs during Evening Music at 7PM on 93.9 FM
When Wagner staged his own operas, he always wanted special effects—in fact, he had an entire theater built around the latest advances in 19th century stage technology. We take an extended look at a 21st century multimedia incarnation of Wagner's opera, the Bill Viola/Peter Sellars/Essa-Pekka Salonen and LA Philharmonic Tristan Project.
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