Because, before a Beethoven symphony, Mozart's ''Don Giovanni'' or Wagner's ''Tristan and Isolde, '' all human beings are equal.

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Ms. MYLES: (As Isolde) If things were different, if we lived in a place without duty, would you be with me?

NPR: 'Tristan and Isolde': A Pleasantly Old-School Epic

The text, which Lang assembled, intersplices various tellings of the story of Tristan and Isolde with the flinty stories and poems of Lydia Davis.

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Ms. MYLES: (As Isolde) It's the only thing that matters, Tristan.

NPR: 'Tristan and Isolde': A Pleasantly Old-School Epic

Circumstances conspire to place a seriously wounded Tristan on a deserted Irish beach, where Isolde secretly nurses him back to health without revealing her royal status.

NPR: 'Tristan and Isolde': A Pleasantly Old-School Epic

But she will face some tough competition from the likes of compatriot Michaela Dorfmeister, Germany's Hilde Gerg, Isolde Kostner of Italy and the home favourite Picabo Street.

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Ms. MYLES: (As Isolde) My marriage to another man.

NPR: 'Tristan and Isolde': A Pleasantly Old-School Epic

Ms. MYLES: (As Isolde) But I'm yours.

NPR: 'Tristan and Isolde': A Pleasantly Old-School Epic

Ms. SOPHIA MYLES: (As Isolde) I'm yours.

NPR: 'Tristan and Isolde': A Pleasantly Old-School Epic