Specially Built Wood Horn Debuts in Met's 'Tristan und Isolde'

The nearly 4-foot holztrompete, constructed to Wagner's specifications, signals the arrival of Isolde's ship in the new production.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A nearly 4-foot wooden horn known as a holztrompete, specially constructed to composer Richard Wagner's somewhat ambiguous specifications, made its debut in the Metropolitan Opera's new production of 'Tristan und Isolde' that opened on Monday. The unique instrument, played by the Met's principal trumpet Billy R. Hunter Jr., signals the arrival of the ship carrying Isolde and King Marke to Brittany, inspiring a mortally wounded Tristan to hang on to life for a few more moments.

Why it matters

Wagner's innovations went beyond just the musical score, as he also specified unique instruments like the holztrompete to achieve particular sonic effects in his operas. The holztrompete's inclusion in this new 'Tristan und Isolde' production highlights the composer's vision and the lengths the Met goes to authentically recreate his works.

The details

The nearly 4-foot wooden horn was specially constructed to Wagner's specifications, which called for an instrument 'at least three feet long, made of wood, almost trumpet-like, slightly curved downwards so that the bell is open to the side.' While a wood trumpet was used at the opera's premiere, the Met has used various other woodwind instruments like the Heckel-clarina and tárogató in past productions. For this new staging, the Met commissioned a new holztrompete from a German brass instrument maker to closely match Wagner's original intent.

  • The holztrompete is heard about 4.5 hours into the opera, signaling the arrival of Isolde's ship.
  • The new production of 'Tristan und Isolde' opened at the Metropolitan Opera on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Billy R. Hunter Jr.

The Metropolitan Opera's principal trumpet, who plays the wooden holztrompete from stage left.

Lise Davidsen

The soprano starring as Isolde in the new production.

Michael Spyres

The tenor singing the role of Tristan.

Ryan Speedo Green

The bass-baritone singing the role of King Marke.

Yuval Sharon

The director of the new 'Tristan und Isolde' production at the Metropolitan Opera.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

“Joyous.”

— Billy R. Hunter Jr., Metropolitan Opera principal trumpet

What’s next

The new holztrompete will continue to be featured in the Metropolitan Opera's run of 'Tristan und Isolde' through April 4, 2026.

The takeaway

Wagner's innovative approach to orchestration and instrumentation was central to his artistic vision, and the inclusion of the specially constructed holztrompete in this new 'Tristan und Isolde' production demonstrates the Met's commitment to authentically recreating the composer's works.