Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1914 - 1917

First Performance

:

Oct 10, 1919

Average_duration

:

163:28

Movement_count

:

48

Movement ....

Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman Without a Shadow) is an opera in three acts composed by Richard Strauss. The libretto was written by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and the opera was first performed on October 10, 1919, at the Vienna State Opera. The plot of the opera revolves around the Emperor and Empress of the spirit world, who are in need of a shadow to continue their existence. The Empress, who is a spirit without a shadow, is given a year to find a shadow or else she will be turned to stone. The Emperor, who is in love with the Empress, sends his messenger to the mortal world to find a suitable candidate for the Empress's shadow. The messenger finds a poor dyer and his wife, who are willing to give up their shadow for a large sum of money. However, the Empress cannot bring herself to take the shadow, as she realizes the dyer's wife is pregnant and would suffer without her shadow. The Empress decides to sacrifice herself and become a mortal, so that she can bear a child and give the dyer's wife her shadow. The opera is known for its complex and intricate score, which features a large orchestra and a wide range of vocal techniques. The music is characterized by its use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. The opera also features a number of extended vocal passages, including a duet between the Empress and the dyer's wife, and a solo aria for the Empress in the final act. Die Frau ohne Schatten is divided into three acts, each of which is further divided into several scenes. The first act takes place in the spirit world, where the Emperor and Empress reside. The second act takes place in the mortal world, where the dyer and his wife live. The final act returns to the spirit world, where the Empress gives birth to a child and is reunited with the Emperor. The premiere of Die Frau ohne Schatten was a great success, and the opera has since become one of Strauss's most popular works. It is known for its complex score, intricate plot, and powerful vocal performances. The opera has been performed in opera houses around the world, and has been recorded numerous times.

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