Conjuring Tristan

25 min

January 30, 2015
Devos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, MI
Dalit Warshaw, piano soloist
Grand Rapids Symphony conducted by David Lockington

Grand Rapids Symphony – David Lockington

piano solo - 2.picc.2.EH.2.bcl.2.cbn - 4.2.3.1 - timp.perc(2) - cel - hp - str

Conjuring Tristan, a “narrative concerto for piano and orchestra,” is based upon Thomas Mann’s novella Tristan. In this story, his familiar theme of the irreconcilable dichotomy between Life and Art is revisited through the character of Gabriele, a young mother and former pianist in treatment for consumption at the sanatorium of Einfried. A writer and fellow resident named Spinell reignites her artistic spirit and encourages her to play through Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde, a transformative “wonder-realm” of experience for both. After a confrontation between writer and husband, Kloterjahn, Gabriele dies.

–Dalit Hadass Warshaw