Composer

:

Siegfried Wagner

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1903

Average_duration

:

195:09

Der Kobold is an opera composed by Siegfried Wagner, the son of the famous composer Richard Wagner. The opera was composed in 1903 and premiered on August 21, 1904, at the Hoftheater in Stuttgart, Germany. The libretto was written by the composer himself, and the opera is based on a fairy tale by Ludwig Bechstein. The plot of Der Kobold revolves around the character of the Kobold, a mischievous and magical creature who lives in the forest. The Kobold falls in love with a human woman named Gertraud, and he decides to use his magic to win her over. However, Gertraud is already engaged to a man named Konrad, and the Kobold's interference causes chaos and confusion. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct musical style and mood. The first act is light and playful, with lively dance music and comic scenes. The second act is more dramatic, with darker music and intense emotional moments. The third act is a combination of both, with a mix of light and dark elements. One of the most notable characteristics of Der Kobold is its use of leitmotifs, a technique made famous by Richard Wagner. The opera features recurring musical themes that represent different characters, emotions, and ideas. This creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the work, and helps to reinforce the opera's themes and messages. Despite its initial success, Der Kobold has not become a staple of the operatic repertoire. However, it remains an important work in the history of German opera, and a testament to Siegfried Wagner's talent as a composer.

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