Composer

:

Jacques Offenbach

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

1864

Average_duration

:

227:39

Die Rheinnixen is an opera composed by Jacques Offenbach, with a libretto by Charles Nuitter and Etienne Tréfeu. The opera was composed in 1864 and premiered on February 4, 1864, at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris. The plot of Die Rheinnixen revolves around the story of the Rhine nymphs, who are in love with the mortal men. The story is set in the Rhineland, where the Rhine nymphs live in the river. The opera begins with the Rhine nymphs singing and dancing in the river. They are in love with the mortal men who live on the banks of the river. The Rhine nymphs are fascinated by the mortal world and long to be a part of it. The story takes a turn when the Duke of Burgundy arrives in the Rhineland. He is on a mission to conquer the Rhine and take control of the river. The Rhine nymphs are afraid of the Duke and his army, but they are also intrigued by the mortal world. The Duke falls in love with one of the Rhine nymphs, Armgard, and she reciprocates his feelings. The story becomes complicated when Armgard's lover, Conrad, returns from war. He is shocked to find that Armgard has fallen in love with the Duke. Conrad is heartbroken and decides to leave the Rhineland. The Duke and Armgard plan to get married, but their plans are disrupted when the Rhine nymphs decide to take revenge on the mortal world. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of movements. The first act is set in the Rhine, where the Rhine nymphs sing and dance. The second act is set in the Duke's castle, where the Duke and Armgard plan their wedding. The third act is set in the Rhineland, where the Rhine nymphs take revenge on the mortal world. The music of Die Rheinnixen is characterized by its lightness and playfulness. Offenbach's use of the waltz and other dance forms adds to the opera's charm. The opera also features a number of arias and duets, which showcase Offenbach's skill as a composer. In conclusion, Die Rheinnixen is a charming opera that tells the story of the Rhine nymphs and their fascination with the mortal world. The opera's lightness and playfulness make it a joy to watch, and Offenbach's music adds to its charm. The opera premiered in 1864 and remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire.

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