Premiere of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde in Munich

Background. Tristan und Isolde was conceived in 1854 and composed between 1857 and 1859. Wagner sought to produce the work in Vienna from 1861 to 1864, but the production was abandoned after over 70 rehearsals, establishing the opera's reputation as unperformable. The premiere became possible only after King Ludwig II of Bavaria became Wagner's sponsor, providing the necessary resources.

Premiere. The premiere took place at the Königliches Hoftheater und Nationaltheater in Munich on 10 June 1865. The date was delayed from 15 May due to bailiffs acting for Wagner's creditors and the illness of the soprano Malvina Schnorr von Carolsfeld. Hans von Bülow conducted the performance, which was the first Wagner opera premiere in nearly 15 years.

Cast. Malvina Schnorr von Carolsfeld performed as Isolde, having recovered from hoarseness. Her husband, Ludwig Schnorr von Carolsfeld, partnered her as Tristan. The cast's performance was notable for its difficulty; Ludwig died suddenly on 21 July 1865, shortly after singing the role only four times, prompting speculation about the physical toll of the part.