“Tristan and Isolde”, by Carl Dahlhaus: A brief commentary and a translation

Abstract

Since the premiere of the opera Tristan and Isolde in June 10, 1865, many historians, musicologists and music critics have written numerous articles and books on the Wagnerian drama. Due to the great musical and compositional importance that Wagner attributed to the opera Tristan and Isolde, the aesthetic and philosophical discussion gained wide repercussions. Dahlhaus, in the article “Tristan and Isolde”, talked about philosophy, music, drama and Handlung (action) Wagnerian. So it is possible to observe the consideration that many have in relation to one of the a major dramas of Wagner. From this importance, I present a brief commentary on the text of Dahlhaus, approaching his analysis of the philosophy of Schopenhauer and then the translation of the article.

Keywords

• Wagner
• Leitmotiv
• Drama
• Handlung
• Harmonia