Wagner
Tristan und Isolde
Stuart Skelton t, Gun-Brit Barkmin s, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Asher Fisch
ABC CLASSIC 4818518 (3CD)

With Skelton and Barkmin onboard, Asher Fisch finesses a West Australian matter of love and death

Tristan and Parsifal are, for me, the best Wagner operas and the most exhilarating to conduct. I cannot tell you which is better, But they’re the best operas in the repertory. Period. Nothing is better. – Asher Fisch

Asher Fisch has been nurturing and honing the West Australian Symphony Orchestra into a classy ensemble, culminating in this gala event for its 90th anniversary.

Gun-Brit Barkmin offers a formidable Isolde, the Narration capped by a gleaming high B. Her firm lower register easily copes with those taxing low notes, a fine match for Stuart Skelton’s polished mahogany baritonal hue. His Tristan is most remarkable in its range of expression from gentle caress to roaring rage. “Daylight’s” knight of honour all gruff and clipped of...