Parsifal

Motif 40: Pain of the Wound

Soundbytes Pain (ogg format)
Musical example: Motif 40 - Pain of the Wound

This motif is more rhythmic than melodic. It is associated with the pain of Amfortas' physical wound or perhaps with the world-weariness that gnaws at his soul. It is first heard in combination with motif #5 (the lower line in the example). Listen for it in the second act after Parsifal sings, ... in sündigem Verlangen.

References: von Wolzogen ex.4, Newman ex. 9, ENO 34a.
Lavignac called this motif "suffering" (not to be confused with motif #4 in the present analysis), p 447.

Last updated (adjusted width of graphic) ---06/04/09 17:27:00---.