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Tristan and Isolde, Desire
Tristan and Isolde Motives

Tristan and Isolde Motives

This motive, composed of mm. 2-3 of the Prelude to Act I, is most often referred to as the “Isolde” or "Desire" motive.  Other labels are given below.

Motive Labels
“Isolde Motive” – (Kobbé, p, 110)
“Desire Motive” – (Lavignac, p. 285)
“Zaubermotiv” or “Charm Motive” – (Pfohl, p. 214)
“Motive of Desire” or “Motive of Magic” – (Newman, in Bailey, p. 154)
“Love Motive” – (Hight, p. 277)
“Yearning” – Note that this title has been given to Motive 1 as well.

Desire – Order of occurrence by Act and Scene
Act I: Prelude, Scenes 1-5
Act II: Prelude, Scenes 1-3
Act III: Scenes 1-3
Tristan and Isolde
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Copyright ©2007 by Matthew Heisterman and John Weinstock, All Rights Reserved

Motive Clips by Deutsche Grammophon  |  Based on Work by Rachel Mitchell and Christine Emily Boone