Rare Wooden Horn Sounds at Met Opera's 'Tristan und Isolde'

The holztrompete, a nearly 4-foot wooden horn, is used in a key offstage moment in the production.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A new production of Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde' at the Metropolitan Opera in New York features a specially constructed wooden horn known as a holztrompete, which is played offstage to signal the arrival of Isolde's ship. The rare instrument, built to the composer's specifications, creates a distinct sound that has inspired awe from the cast and crew.

Why it matters

The use of the holztrompete in this production highlights Wagner's innovative approach to orchestration and instrumentation, as he sought to create unique sonic effects to enhance the drama of his operas. The holztrompete's reintroduction at the Met also marks a return to Wagner's original vision for the work, after decades of the opera being performed with alternative instruments.

The details

The holztrompete, measuring nearly 4 feet tall, is played by the Met's principal trumpet, Billy R. Hunter Jr., from stage left. The instrument was specially constructed by Thein Brass in Germany to closely match Wagner's description, which called for a wooden horn that was at least 3 feet long and slightly curved downwards. Previous Met productions had used other woodwind instruments like the tárogató to approximate the desired effect, but this new holztrompete is believed to be closer to Wagner's original intent.

  • The holztrompete is played about 4.5 hours into the performance of 'Tristan und Isolde'.
  • The new production opened at the Met on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Holztrompete

A nearly 4-foot wooden horn, specially constructed to Wagner's specifications, that is used to signal the arrival of Isolde's ship in the opera 'Tristan und Isolde'.

Billy R. Hunter Jr.

The Metropolitan Opera's principal trumpet, who plays the holztrompete from stage left in the new production of 'Tristan und Isolde'.

Lise Davidsen

The soprano who sings the role of Isolde in the Met's new production of 'Tristan und Isolde'.

Michael Spyres

The tenor who sings the role of Tristan in the Met's new production of 'Tristan und Isolde'.

Ryan Speedo Green

The bass-baritone who sings the role of King Marke in the Met's new production of 'Tristan und Isolde'.

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What they’re saying

“You listen to the sound of the holztrompete and the imitation, it's a clear difference. It blows my mind to think that Wagner created it himself. How many humans have created an instrument? It really sounds like victory.”

— Ryan Speedo Green, Bass-baritone (Associated Press)

“Joyous”

— Billy R. Hunter Jr., Metropolitan Opera Principal Trumpet (Associated Press)

What’s next

The holztrompete will continue to be featured in the Met's remaining performances of 'Tristan und Isolde' through April 4, 2026.

The takeaway

The reintroduction of the holztrompete in the Met's new production of 'Tristan und Isolde' represents a return to Wagner's original vision for the opera, showcasing the composer's innovative approach to orchestration and his desire to create unique sonic effects to heighten the drama on stage.