Composer

:

Frank Martin

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1952 - 1955

First Performance

:

Jun 17, 1956

Der Sturm is an opera composed by Swiss composer Frank Martin. The opera is based on William Shakespeare's play The Tempest and was composed between 1952 and 1955. The opera premiered on June 25, 1956, at the Zurich Opera House in Switzerland. The opera is divided into three movements, each representing a different aspect of the story. The first movement, titled "The Tempest," introduces the characters and sets the scene for the story. The second movement, titled "Ariel," focuses on the character of Ariel, the spirit who serves Prospero, the protagonist of the story. The third movement, titled "Caliban," focuses on the character of Caliban, the deformed and savage slave of Prospero. The music of Der Sturm is characterized by its use of dissonance and complex rhythms. Martin's use of polytonality and atonality creates a sense of tension and unease throughout the opera, reflecting the turmoil and conflict within the story. The vocal writing is also challenging, with the singers required to navigate intricate melodic lines and complex harmonies. The plot of Der Sturm closely follows the plot of The Tempest. The story revolves around Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who has been exiled to a remote island with his daughter Miranda. Using his magical powers, Prospero conjures a storm that shipwrecks his enemies on the island. Through a series of magical interventions, Prospero seeks revenge on his enemies while also learning to forgive and let go of his anger. Overall, Der Sturm is a complex and challenging opera that explores themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the power of magic. Its premiere in 1956 was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a staple of the modern opera repertoire.

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