Composer

:

Max von Schillings

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Max von Schillings' opera 'Moloch' was composed in 1906 and premiered on November 6th of the same year at the Königliches Opernhaus in Dresden, Germany. The opera is a dark and intense portrayal of the biblical story of King Solomon and his worship of the pagan god Moloch. The plot of 'Moloch' centers around King Solomon's obsession with the god Moloch, who demands human sacrifices. Solomon's love for the queen of Sheba is threatened by his devotion to Moloch, and he ultimately sacrifices his own son to the god. The opera ends with Solomon's realization of the horror of his actions and his repentance. The music of 'Moloch' is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of unease and tension throughout the opera. The vocal lines are often angular and jagged, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the characters. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the story. The first movement, 'The Temple of Moloch', introduces the audience to the world of King Solomon and his worship of the pagan god. The second movement, 'The Queen of Sheba', focuses on Solomon's love for the queen and the conflict between his devotion to her and his devotion to Moloch. The final movement, 'The Sacrifice', depicts the sacrifice of Solomon's son and his subsequent realization of the horror of his actions. Overall, 'Moloch' is a powerful and disturbing opera that explores themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the consequences of blind devotion. Its intense music and dramatic storyline make it a challenging but rewarding work for both performers and audiences.

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