Composer

:

Adolf Neuendorff

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1880

"Der Rattenfänger von Hameln" is an opera composed by Adolf Neuendorff, a German-American composer, conductor, and pianist. The opera is based on the famous German legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, who was hired by the town of Hamelin to rid them of a rat infestation but, when the town refused to pay him, he lured away their children with his magical flute. The opera was composed in 1879 and premiered on December 30, 1880, at the Stadttheater in Bremen, Germany. It consists of three acts and is written in the German language. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it quickly became one of Neuendorff's most popular works. The first act of the opera introduces the town of Hamelin, which is suffering from a rat infestation. The town's mayor, council, and citizens are desperate for a solution, and they hire the Pied Piper to rid them of the rats. The Piper succeeds in his task, but when the town refuses to pay him, he uses his magical flute to lure away their children. The second act of the opera follows the children as they journey with the Piper to a magical land where they are free to play and be happy. However, the parents of Hamelin are distraught over the loss of their children and search desperately for them. In the third act, the Piper returns the children to Hamelin, but he is met with hostility and suspicion from the town's people. The Piper is eventually able to win them over with his music, and the opera ends with a joyful celebration. "Der Rattenfänger von Hameln" is characterized by its use of folk melodies and its colorful orchestration. The opera also features a large chorus, which is used to great effect in the scenes depicting the rat infestation and the search for the missing children. Overall, "Der Rattenfänger von Hameln" is a charming and engaging opera that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melodies and memorable characters have made it a favorite of audiences around the world.

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