 |
 |
This is the motif associated with memories of Parsifal's mother, Herzeleide (Heart-in- Sorrow). Like Tristan, Parsifal is stricken with
grief at the knowledge that he was (innocently) responsible for the death of his mother.
This feeling of guilt is exploited by Kundry in the second act. But we first hear this
motif when, in response to Gurnemanz's questioning, Parsifal admits that he once had many
names, but now cannot remember them.  Herzeleide (midi)
Right: Bayreuth postcard showing Parsifal and Kundry in act two. |
The Herzeleide motif clearly has developed from the simple motif of Suffering (#4), marked in the example above.