Link: Guardian Unlimited | Arts critics | Tristan und Isolde, Opéra Bastille, Paris.

Musically, it’s stupendous. Meier and Heppner sing like gods. Selig is infinitely harrowing, while Yvonne Naef is the most intense Brangäne imaginable. Esa-Pekka Salonen’s conducting is flawless in its combination of clarity, sweep and exaltation, holding the score’s erotic and transcendental elements in perfect balance. Despite its flaws, the overall impact is shattering. A great occasion, no question.

ok.. my 7th Wagner since Monday – ironic that this returns back to the Bayreuth TRISTAN from last Monday’s opening.  From all reports, this is supposed to be the hottest lately.

Photograph: Remy de la Mauviniere/AP