Wagner: Parsifal

Bayreuth, 1882: turmoil in Wagner's wordy and wondrous ‘Weihespiel’ (dramatic work). ‘Parsifal’ is too short! A few bars are missing to ensure that the stage magic runs synchronously with the music. “What, so now I'm supposed to compose by the metre!” complains Wagner, who would be amazed at how today's technical refinements reduce the stress of timing. In Erl, Austrian director Philipp Maria Krenn and his team are tackling the story of the ‘pure fool’ – even without a Passion play theatre, but, as in previous years, at a time befitting the Easter season. This tradition, newly revived, is a gift to all ‘Parsifal’ fans who do not want to miss out on the ‘meditation rush’ this season either. Orchestra and choir of the Tyrolean Festival Erl musical direction: Asher Fisch director: Philipp M. Krenn set design: Heike Vollmer costumes: Regine Standfuss Amfortas: Michael Nagy Titurel: Clive Bayley Gurnemanz: Brindley Sherratt Parsifal: Jonas Kaufmann Klingsor: Georg Nigl