PARSIFAL

Composer: RICHARD WAGNER Book by the composer First performance: Festspielhaus, Bayreuth, July 26, 1882 3 acts. THE ACTION which has taken place before the play concerns the Spanish Pyrenees where the Knights of the Holy Grail live, guarding two sacred relics: the Spear with which the side of Christ was pierced, and the Cup of the Last Supper which also caught the blood from His side. They have refused Klingsor entry to their order. In a garden which he has created to tempt the Knights he contrives to ensnare Am fort as, King of the Grail, through the agencies of the fascinating Kundry., Am fort as is wounded by the Spear and can find no way He must find an Innocent Fool, a man who can resist all to heal his wound. He, then, temptation, and win back the Spear with which to cure Am fort as. will become the new King. The opera action opens at this point. Parsifal, a boy of the forest, is captured by the Knights for killing a swan. Gurnemanz believes this innocent lad may be the Fool for whom they are waiting. He shows no understanding of the service of the Eucharist which further convinces In the castle of Klingsor, Kundry is called to practice her wiles Gurnemanz. on Parsifal. He resists all temptations and finally, when Klingsor in anger hurls the Spear at him, Parsifal makes the sign of the Cro which protects himself, and destroys the garden. He wanders for some time until he gets back to the castle of the Holy Grail where he is received by Kundry who has repented and is now a servant of the Grail. With the Spear he heals Am fort as’ wound. As Am fort as kneels before the new King, Kundry dies. Parsifal has become the Saviour of the Order of the Holy Grail.