Parsifal

Parsifal, Rogelio de Egusquiza y Barrena. Oil on canvas, 1910

My ritual for this particular weekend of the year is listen to and/or watch Wagner's Parsifal.  It is truly a masterpiece and a cathartic one at that. Listen to the finale below, one of the most mystical and spiritually effecting compositions ever written.  

The recording I've chosen is by Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Theatre for their own label.  It's a brilliant and insightful recording with some exquisite singing, orchestral playing and conducting.  The perfect musical accompaniment for this weekend.  Happy Easter everyone.