Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1923 - 1927

First Performance

:

Jun 6, 1928

Average_duration

:

131:05

Movement_count

:

26

Movement ....

Die Ägyptische Helena is an opera in two acts composed by Richard Strauss with a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. The opera was composed between 1923 and 1927 and premiered on June 6, 1928, at the Dresden State Opera. The plot of the opera is based on the myth of Helen of Troy. In the opera, Helen is living in Egypt with her husband Menelaus, who is angry with her for running away with Paris. Menelaus is determined to take Helen back to Greece, but she refuses to leave Egypt. Meanwhile, the god Hermes appears to Menelaus and tells him that he must win back Helen's love by pretending to be a shipwrecked sailor. Menelaus follows Hermes' advice and succeeds in winning back Helen's love. The opera is divided into two acts, each with several movements. The first act begins with a prologue in which the god Hermes introduces the story. The first movement of the act is a duet between Helen and Menelaus in which they argue about whether or not to leave Egypt. The second movement is a solo by Helen in which she expresses her longing for Paris. The third movement is a duet between Menelaus and the High Priestess in which he asks for her help in winning back Helen's love. The act ends with a chorus of Egyptians celebrating the arrival of the Greek fleet. The second act begins with a solo by Menelaus in which he expresses his love for Helen. The second movement is a duet between Menelaus and Helen in which he reveals his true identity as the shipwrecked sailor. The third movement is a solo by Helen in which she expresses her love for Menelaus. The act ends with a chorus of Greeks and Egyptians celebrating the reconciliation of Helen and Menelaus. Die Ägyptische Helena is known for its lush orchestration and complex vocal writing. The opera features several extended duets and solos, as well as a number of choral passages. The music is characterized by its use of chromatic harmonies and richly textured orchestration. Overall, Die Ägyptische Helena is a complex and emotionally charged opera that explores themes of love, betrayal, and reconciliation. Its premiere was a critical and commercial success, and it remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire to this day.

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