Wagner: Tristan & Isolde – Schager, Nylund, Groissbock, Bayreuther Festspiele, Bychkov | Blu-ray, Deutsche Grammophon

Icelandic director Thorleifur Örn Arnarsson made his Bayreuth debut with this enigmatic new staging, which was conducted by Semyon Bychkov. The title roles were played by Andreas Schager and Camilla Nylund, heading an excellent cast that also included Günther Groissböck (King Marke), Christa Mayer (Brangäne) and Olafur Sigurdarson (Kurwenal). The dark ambiguity of Arnarsson’s vision was heightened by the sets of Vytautas Narbutas, lighting designs of Sascha Zauner and costumes of Sibylle Wallum.

The set provides 3 sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, and an extensive booklet with photos, an insightful conversation about the work and production between director, conductor and dramaturgue, the synopsis as well as more information.