Le vin herbé ( Frank Martin; Tristan and Iseult interpretation) Polly Graham, Welsh National Opera, eng s. subs

A version of Tristan and Isolde that takes less than half the time of Wagner s epic music drama Frank Martins Le Vin herbé is as antiWagnerian a work as you could imagine. It is also the odd one out in Welsh National Operas Loves Poisoned Chalice spring season, a rarity nestling between a couple of Puccini favourites, La bohème and Madama Butterfly. Not only is it far shorter than Wagners monumental score, but it eschews heady eroticism for a far more severe and sombre brew and is definitely an acquired taste. Music Frank Martin Text Frank Martin Conductor James Southall Director Polly Graham