Wagner, Richard. (1813–1883) [G. BRÜKNER et P. JOUKOVSKY]. Dekorationen aus Parsifal.. Bayreuth: Verlag von Hans Brand. [1889]. First edition. Collection of six cabinet photographs illustrating the scenery for the original production of Richard Wagner's Parsifal. The photographs are by Fr. Kranich and are dated 1889 in the text beneath, but clearly embossed 1892 in the prints. Bound in original decorated cloth folder with minimal wear at lower spine, else fine. From the estate of Lotfi Mansouri, late General Director of the San Francisco Opera. Rare. Worldcat records only two copies in the United States.


The opera premiered at Bayreuth under the direction of conductor Hermann Levi on July 26, 1882 after which it was performed 15 times in that first year. Probably the most carefully planned premiere in opera history, the 23 soloists and alternates, the 107 orchestra players and the 135 members of the chorus had been given the score a full year ealier. Among the many great members of Europe's "musical royalty," who made the pilgrimage to Bayreuth for the premiere, were Franz Liszt, Camille Saint-Saens, Anton Bruckner and Leo Delibes. The singers for the first performance included Theodor Reichmann (Amfortas), Augist Kindermann (Titurel), Emil Scaria (Gurnemanz), Hermann Winkelmann (Parsifal), Karl Hill (Klingsor), Amalie Materna (Kundry).