Richard Wagner Opera Parsifal

Plot Synopsis and Character Description of a German Drama

Nov 4, 2008 Tel Asiado

Parsifal, a German opera by Richard Wagner. Opera plot synopsis, character list, and other opera information.

Parsifal is a 3-act opera in German language composed by Richard Wagner (May 22, 1813 – February 13, 1883). Libretto is by Wagner based on an epic medieval poem by Wolfram von Eschenbach. It was premiered at Bayreuth, Destspielhaus, July 26, 1882. The setting is in Montsalvat, Spanish Pyrenees in the Middle Ages.

Parsifal is the last opera by Richard Wagner. It is a medieval romance with Christian legends. Compassion converts the state of sin into a source of redemption.

Character Roles

• Gurnemanz, An elderly knight of the Grail (bass)
• Kundry, A heathen healer (dramatic soprano)
• Parsifal, An "innocent fool" (dramatic tenor)
• Klingsor, A vengeful magician (bass)
• Titurel, Founder of the Knights of the Grail (bass)
• Amfortas, His son, guardian o the Grail (baritone)

Prelude

Act I

Scene 1. Forest near a Lake

The knight Gurnemanz awakes at the Montsalvat to prepare a bath for the suffering Amfortas. The angry magician Klingsor has stolen Montsalvat's Holy Spear and use it to pierce Amfortas's side. Gurnemanz recalls a prophecy that "an innocent fool enlightened through compassion" will save Titurel's son, Amfortas. When a "sacred swan" falls dead, its killer, a young man, Parsifal, is presented to Gurnemanz. The man, unaware of his own identity, is surprised when a pagan woman, Kundry, knows about his past. Gurnemanz takes Parsifal to the hall of the grail castle.

Scene 2. Temple of the Grail

The knights enter the hall. They hear Titurel's voice telling Amfortas to present the grail that it may again feed the knights who are present. Weary and pained that he can hardly present the grail, Amfortas begs his father, Titurel, to do it, but the old king is too weak to do it. Only the grail keeps Titurel alive. Amfortas then presents the grail, the knights are fed and they depart. Parsifal just watches and remains mute in response to Gernemanz's questions. Disgusted and annoyed with the boy's simple-mindedness, Gurnemanz sends him away.

Prelude

Act II

Scene 1. Klingsor's Enchanted Castle

Meantime, Klingsor uses his magic to command Kundry to seduce Parsifal, reminding her that it was she who seduced Amfortas. They watch from the ramparts as Parsifal fights his way into the castle. The tower sinks into the ground, replaced by the magic garden.

Scene 2. Klingor's Gardens

The Flower Maidens are in the castle's margin garden. A man admires at the maidens but he rejects their tempting advances. Kundry appears calling him Parsifal and explains that Parsifal's name comes from "fal-par-si," meaning "foolish pure one." She tells him that his mother died of a broken heart when he deserted her. Parsifal is overcome by remorse, but when Kundry kisses him he remembers Amfortas's wound and pushes her away. Impressed by the boy's purity, Kundry reveals that her sin was to mock the Redeemer. She has asked for forgiveness, but when it is offered her, she keeps repeating her sin. Klingsor attacks Parsifal with the holy spear, but the spear does not harm him. Kundry curses Parsifal who takes the spear and makes the sign of the cross. The castle falls and the garden withers.

Prelude

Act III

Scene 1. A Landscape near the Temple of the Grail

Gurnemanz, worn and old, discovers Kundry, asleep among the bushes and wakes her. Parsifal appears in black armor. Gurnemanz chides him for wearing weapons in the holy forest on Good Friday. When Parsifal removes his armor, he and Gurnemanz recognize each other. In his attempt to return the spear, Parsifal is continually led astray by Kundry's curse. Meanwhile, the brotherhood has withered away since Amfortas refuses to present the grail. Gurnemanz announces that Titurel is dead. Kundry washes Parsifal's feet and dries them with her hair. Parsifal forgives Kundry. Gurnemanz leads Parsifal to the hall of the grail.

Scene 2. Temple of the Grail

Titurel's funeral is in progress. Amfortas has agreed to present the grail one last time and prays for death. Parsifal appears and cures Amfortas with a touch of the holy spear. Parsifal, the new guardian of the grail, presents it. Kundry drops to the ground, lifeless.

Source:

Martin, Nicholas Ivor. The Da Capo Opera Manual. New York: Da Capo, 1997.

Morley, Sir Alexander. The Harrap Opera Guide. London: Harrap, 1970.

Riding, Alan & Leslie Dunton Downer. Eyewitness Companions: Opera. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2006.

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Wagner Opera Parsifal, 1900 Postcard