Composer

:

Franz von Suppé

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1865

Average_duration

:

44:07

Die schöne Galathee is an operetta composed by Franz von Suppé in 1865. The plot revolves around Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with his own creation, a statue of a beautiful woman named Galathee. The statue comes to life and Pygmalion is overjoyed, but soon realizes that Galathee is not a real woman and cannot reciprocate his love. The operetta premiered on September 24, 1865, at the Carltheater in Vienna, Austria. It was an immediate success and quickly became one of Suppé's most popular works. The music is light and playful, with catchy melodies and lively dance numbers. The libretto, written by Leonhard Kohl von Kohlenegg, is witty and humorous, with plenty of puns and wordplay. The operetta is divided into three acts, each with its own set of musical numbers. The first act introduces Pygmalion and his love for Galathee, as well as the other characters who will play a role in the story. The second act sees Galathee come to life and Pygmalion's joy at her newfound sentience. However, Galathee is confused and overwhelmed by the world around her, and Pygmalion must teach her how to behave like a real woman. The third act sees Pygmalion's realization that Galathee is not a real woman and his despair at losing her. The music of Die schöne Galathee is characterized by its lightness and playfulness. The overture is a lively and energetic piece, with a memorable melody that sets the tone for the rest of the operetta. The vocal numbers are mostly duets and ensembles, with only a few solos. The dance numbers are particularly noteworthy, with lively polkas and waltzes that are sure to get audiences tapping their feet. Overall, Die schöne Galathee is a charming and entertaining operetta that showcases Suppé's talent for light and playful music. Its catchy melodies and witty libretto have made it a favorite of audiences for over a century.

More....