Composer

:

Carl Orff

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1957 - 1959

Average_duration

:

161:16

Oedipus der Tyrann is an opera composed by Carl Orff, based on the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. The opera was composed in 1959 and premiered on July 21, 1959, at the Salzburg Festival in Austria. The plot of the opera follows the story of Oedipus, the king of Thebes, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. The opera is divided into five movements, each representing a different aspect of the story. The first movement, titled "The Oracle," sets the scene for the opera. The people of Thebes are suffering from a plague, and Oedipus seeks the help of the oracle at Delphi to find a solution. The oracle tells him that the plague is a punishment for the murder of the previous king, Laius, and that the killer must be brought to justice. The second movement, "The Sphinx," introduces the character of the Sphinx, a mythical creature who poses a riddle to anyone who wishes to enter Thebes. Oedipus solves the riddle and defeats the Sphinx, earning the gratitude of the people of Thebes. The third movement, "The Murder," reveals that Oedipus himself is the killer of Laius, his father. Oedipus is horrified by this revelation and sets out to find the truth about his past. The fourth movement, "The Recognition," sees Oedipus discover that he has unknowingly married his mother, Jocasta. Jocasta is also horrified by this revelation and kills herself. The final movement, "The Exile," sees Oedipus blinded and exiled from Thebes. The opera ends with Oedipus being led away by his daughter, Antigone. The music of Oedipus der Tyrann is characterized by its use of ancient Greek modes and rhythms, as well as its use of percussion instruments such as timpani and xylophone. The opera also features a large chorus, which plays an important role in the storytelling. Overall, Oedipus der Tyrann is a powerful and dramatic opera that explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of our actions. Its premiere at the Salzburg Festival was a great success, and it has since become a staple of the operatic repertoire.

More....