Wednesday, December 23, 2020

December 23 - Mathilde Wesendonck (The Musical Birthday Series, 2nd Annual Cycle)

Mathilde Wesendonck (23 December 1828 – 31 August 1902) was a German  poet and author.

[For last year's limerick's on Chet Baker click here.]



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ninth Commandment

 

It is not known whether she returned his affections to the same degree, or if the affair - if there was one - was ever consummated. Nevertheless, the episode inspired Wagner to put aside his work on Der Ring des Nibelungen and begin work on Tristan und Isolde. -- adapted from Wikipedia  


Madame Wesendonck (Mathilde), 

   Very different from Brunnhilde,

Came to Wagner’s keen attention,

  Who in spite of all convention

Gave free rein to admiration,

   And expressed infatuation.

   

First he set aside The Ring

   And started on another thing.

Thus began the opera Tristan,

   Where the hero can’t resist an-

Other fellow’s wedded wife ---

   Art, they say, must spring from life.

 

 

 

 

If you enjoy these posts, please help me, and consider sharing.  [Also, please visit my other blog: Alternate Tales: Great Art Repurposed.]

 



No comments:

Post a Comment