Composer

:

Engelbert Humperdinck

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1893

Average_duration

:

101:41

Movement_count

:

27

Movement ....

Hänsel und Gretel is a German opera composed by Engelbert Humperdinck in 1893. The libretto was written by Humperdinck's sister, Adelheid Wette, based on the famous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. The opera premiered on December 23, 1893, at the Hoftheater in Weimar, Germany. The plot of the opera follows the story of two siblings, Hänsel and Gretel, who live in poverty with their parents in a small village. One day, their mother sends them into the forest to gather strawberries, but they get lost and stumble upon a gingerbread house owned by a witch. The witch captures them and plans to cook them for dinner, but Hänsel and Gretel outsmart her and push her into the oven, freeing themselves and the other children the witch had captured. The opera is divided into three acts and features a variety of musical styles, including folk songs, choruses, and arias. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies, colorful orchestration, and use of leitmotifs to represent different characters and themes. One of the most famous movements from the opera is the "Evening Prayer" duet, in which Hänsel and Gretel sing a prayer before falling asleep in the forest. The duet is known for its beautiful melody and serene atmosphere, and has become a popular piece for children's choirs and Christmas concerts. Overall, Hänsel und Gretel is a charming and whimsical opera that has become a beloved classic of the repertoire. Its catchy tunes, memorable characters, and heartwarming story have made it a favorite of audiences of all ages.

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