The Theology of Tristan und Isolde

The Theology of Tristan und Isolde

The Theology of Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde: A Wagner Society Manchester talk on Monday 9 March 2026, at 7pm via Zoom, by Prof Richard Bell

Unlike Wagner’s other completed dramas, Tristan and Isolde appears to be a work without “God,” “Gods,” or God-like beings; nevertheless, many (including admirers who are atheists!) understand Tristan to be a “religious” work. In his talk Richard Bell argues that in composing Tristan Wagner was engaging in a creative appropriation of religious traditions. Among the themes he will consider are “inner religion”, the eucharist, and Isolde’s “transfiguration,” which Wagner later in life likened to the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Prof Bell will be circulating a handout before his talk.

Prof Richard H. Bell. Department of Philosophy, University of Nottingham has published books on Parsifal and The Ring (he spoke to the Society about The Ring a few years ago). His expertise falls into three areas. The first is the Theology of the New Testament, especially the Theology of Paul. The second is the relationship between theology and the natural sciences (especially modern Physics). The third is the theology of Richard Wagner, not only the theology as expressed in his stage works but also in his various writings.

As usual, members of the Society will be sent the zoom link nearer the time.

Non-members wishing to attend should contact susi.manchesterwagnersociety@gmail.com  for details of how to attend the meeting.

All are warmly invited to come along to what should be a fascinating talk