Wagner, Richard. (1813–1883) [G. BRÜKNER et P. JOUKOVSKY]. Parsifal, scenische Bilder nach den für die bayreuther Aufführung defertigten Decorations und Costümskizzen . Leipzig: Verlag von Edwin Schloemp. [1882]. First edition. Large oblong folio, a black and gilt-stamped beige portfolio containing nine mounted plates depicting the original set designs from the first production given in July, 1882. 1 portfolio ([4] p., 9 cards) : 9 mounted heliogravure plates ; portfolio: 30 x 39.5 cm, cards: 28.3 x 37.1 cm, image: 16.2 x 21 cm. Rare. Worldcat records only three copies in the United States.


'Only authorized edition,' complete with three preliminary pages in German and nine mounted heliogravure plates with letterpress text on cards after original drawings by Paul von Joukowsky, who designed all of the costumes and 4 of the 5 sets for the first production of Parsifal. The sets were constructed by the brothers Max and Gotthold Brückner. In very good condition apart from some rubbing and wear along the spine of the portfolio boards. Rare.


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, as listed on the present broadside, included Theodor Reichmann (Amfortas), Augist Kindermann (Titurel), Emil Scaria (Gurnemanz), Hermann Winkelmann (Parsifal), Karl Hill (Klingsor), Amalie Materna (Kundry).