DEREK BLYTH: The Orchestration of Tristan und Isolde

Compared to Der Ring des Nibelungen, Parsifal and, even, Die Meistersinger, the orchestral forces required for Tristan und Isolde are quite conventional by Wagner’s standards.  What he does with this orchestra, though, is far from conventional and so, in this talk, we will be examining key points in the score, paying particular attention to orchestral textures and effects but also relating them to the voice(s) they support and enhance.  Technical terms will explained and a sheet of relevant leitmotivs will be supplied but, if you have a score, please bring it with you to follow. 

Derek Blyth was born in Edinburgh where he studied with Fiona Cunning, Morag Maclachlan, Scott Wilkinson and Derek Watson, whence the passion for Wagner. After taking B.Mus in Aberdeen, he moved to Durham and then to Cheshire, where he taught music for many years. He lectures to the Manchester Wagner Society of which he is vice president and also the Manchester Lit. and Phil. He conducts musicals and operettas and travels round Europe to see opera.