Three Stage Sets for Parsifal
  • Heinrich Lefler
  • Vienna 1863 - 1919
  • Three Stage Sets for Parsifal, 1913
  • Watercolour and gouache over pencil, on board,
  • each monogramed lower right: HL,
    numerous inscriptions and atelier-stamps
    Klingsor’s castle, 217 × 241 mm
    Enchanted garden (transformation), 201 × 300 mm
    Temple of the gral, 254 × 323 mm
  • 0 × 0 mm

After the premiere of this Bühnenweihspiel (“consecration play for the stage”), Bayreuth retained the exclusive right to produce it until 1912, following the wishes of Richard Wagner (1813-1883). After the expiration of this period, Heinrich Lefler created the visionary designs shown here for the Vienna Volksoper in 1913, probably in collaboration with Joseph Urban (Vienna 1872 - 1933 New York), as both artists had worked as a successful team of set designers, interior architects, and book illustrators since 1890. However, in 1912, Urban had followed a summons to become artistic director of the Boston Opera. Later he would work for the American film industry as well as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where Urban would re-use these set designs in a second production.