Composer

:

Edmund Eysler

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Bruder Straubinger is an opera composed by Edmund Eysler, an Austrian composer, in 1913. The plot of the opera revolves around the life of a blind man named Straubinger, who is a street musician in Vienna. Despite his blindness, Straubinger is a cheerful and optimistic person who enjoys life to the fullest. He is loved by everyone in the neighborhood, and his music brings joy to the people. The opera is divided into three movements. The first movement introduces the character of Straubinger and his life as a street musician. The second movement focuses on his relationship with a young woman named Gretl, who is also blind. Gretl is a singer, and she and Straubinger perform together on the streets of Vienna. They fall in love, but their happiness is short-lived as Gretl dies suddenly. The third movement of the opera is the most dramatic. Straubinger is accused of stealing a valuable necklace from a wealthy woman. Despite his innocence, he is arrested and put on trial. The trial is a farce, and Straubinger is found guilty and sentenced to death. However, just before his execution, the real thief is caught, and Straubinger is exonerated. The premiere of Bruder Straubinger took place on December 23, 1913, at the Carltheater in Vienna. The opera was an instant success and was performed over 200 times in Vienna alone. It was also performed in other cities in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. One of the characteristics of Bruder Straubinger is its use of Viennese folk music. Eysler incorporated traditional Viennese melodies into the opera, giving it a distinct local flavor. The opera also has a strong emotional impact, with its themes of love, injustice, and redemption. Overall, Bruder Straubinger is a moving and powerful opera that showcases the talents of Edmund Eysler. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and memorable music.

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