Liebestod again: Kirsten Flagstad and Wilhelm Furtwängler

Portrait of Mathilde Wesendonck, 1850
Author: Karl Ferdinand Sohn
StadtMuseum Bonn
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mathilde1850.jpg)
no copyright infringement intended

Mathilde Wesendonck was the muse of Wagner while he created Tristan and Isolde. She was the wife of a silk merchant, a great admirer of Wagnerian music. The husband had invited the composer at his estate. Wagner (who was also married,  with his first wife) became infatuated with Mathilde. It is not known whether she returned his affections to the same degree, or if the affair - if there was one - was ever consummated. She was a poet, and Wagner would set five songs to her verses (the Wesendonck Lieder).

(wiki)

Wagner: Liebestod Aria, from Tristan and Isolde
Kirsten Flagstad
Wilhelm Furtwängler, conductor
(video by violinthief)

Mild und leise
wie er lächelt,
wie das Auge
hold er öffnet
--seht ihr's, Freunde?
Seht ihr's nicht?
Immer lichter
wie er leuchtet,
stern-umstrahlt
hoch sich hebt?
Seht ihr's nicht?

and ends

ertrinken,
versinken, -
unbewusst, -
höchste Lust!

Softly and gently
how he smiles,
how his eyes
fondly open
--do you see, friends?
do you not see?
how he shines
ever brighter.
Star-haloed
rising higher
Do you not see?

to drown,
to founder -
unconscious -
utmost joy!

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebestod)

(It's Time for Wagner)