Composer

:

Alban Berg

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1929 - 1935

Average_duration

:

160:44

Lulu is an opera composed by Alban Berg between 1928 and 1935. The opera is based on two plays by Frank Wedekind, Earth Spirit and Pandora's Box. The plot revolves around the character of Lulu, a young woman who is a victim of her own beauty and sexuality. The opera is divided into three acts and is known for its complex score and use of atonality. The opera premiered on December 2, 1937, at the Zurich Opera House in Switzerland. The premiere was conducted by Hermann Scherchen and directed by Leopold Lindtberg. The opera was met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising the music and others criticizing the subject matter. The first act of the opera introduces the character of Lulu, who is a dancer and prostitute. She is pursued by several men, including Dr. Schön, a wealthy newspaper editor who is engaged to marry her. Lulu is also pursued by Alwa, Dr. Schön's son, and Countess Geschwitz, a lesbian who is in love with Lulu. In the second act, Lulu has married Dr. Schön but is having an affair with Alwa. Dr. Schön discovers the affair and threatens to leave Lulu. In a fit of rage, Lulu kills him and flees to London with Alwa. The third act takes place in London, where Lulu has become a prostitute and is being pursued by Jack the Ripper. She is arrested and sent to prison, where she is visited by Countess Geschwitz. Lulu seduces the Countess and they plan to escape together, but Lulu is killed by Jack the Ripper before they can leave. The music of Lulu is characterized by its use of atonality and complex harmonies. The score includes a wide range of instruments, including a saxophone, accordion, and mandolin. The opera is also known for its use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. Overall, Lulu is a complex and challenging opera that explores themes of sexuality, power, and violence. Its use of atonality and complex harmonies make it a landmark work in 20th-century music.

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