Easter Concert
Vasily Petrenko
Oslo Philharmonic Choir Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner (1813–1883) first encountered the story of the knight Parsifal in 1845. In the spring of 1857, he sketched an opera based on the tale, and 25 years later, on 26 July 1882, Parsifal premiered in Wagner’s own opera house in Bayreuth. 

The composer himself did not call Parsifal an opera, but a Bühnenweihfestspiel, a “stage-festival-play” which was exclusively performed at Bayreuth. The work has a strong spiritual dimension characterized by Wagner’s interest in Christianity, Buddhism and philosophy. 

Parsifal is one of the Grail brothers, the knights who protected the Holy Grail, the cup from which, according to legend, Jesus drank from at the Last Supper, and in which his blood is collected. 

Richard Wagner wrote the lyrics himself, loosely based on medieval verse novels. Wagner describes Parsifal’s development and spiritual growth from being an inexperienced knight to, through learning suffering and compassion, understanding the Holy Grails deeper meaning and becoming its guardian.

In the third act, Parsifal becomes a redeemer for the Grail community and heals King Amfortas. The action takes place on Good Friday, which emphasizes central themes – spiritual renewal and redemption. The music is played in a concert version, i.e. without scenery or costumes.