Walter Kollo
Drei alte Schachteln
Works Info
Composer:Walter KolloGenre:OperaStyle:OperaFirst Performance:Oct 6, 1917"Drei alte Schachteln" is a comic opera composed by Walter Kollo, a German composer and songwriter. The opera was composed in 1913 and premiered on December 23, 1913, at the Metropol-Theater in Berlin. The plot of the opera revolves around three elderly women, Frau von Luber, Frau von Klinger, and Frau von Schwanenfeld, who are all widows and live together in a villa. They are all wealthy and have different personalities. Frau von Luber is the most dominant and bossy of the three, while Frau von Klinger is more reserved and quiet. Frau von Schwanenfeld is the most carefree and enjoys life to the fullest. The three women are all looking for love and companionship, and they each have their own romantic interests. Frau von Luber is interested in a young man named Max, who is the nephew of their gardener. Frau von Klinger is interested in a doctor named Dr. Schumann, who is treating her for a minor ailment. Frau von Schwanenfeld is interested in a young artist named Paul, who is painting her portrait. The opera is divided into three movements, each focusing on one of the three women and their romantic interests. In the first movement, Frau von Luber tries to win the affections of Max, but he is more interested in her money than her. In the second movement, Frau von Klinger tries to get closer to Dr. Schumann, but he is more interested in her money than her. In the third movement, Frau von Schwanenfeld falls in love with Paul, but he is more interested in her money than her. The opera is characterized by its light and humorous tone, as well as its catchy melodies and witty lyrics. It satirizes the social norms and expectations of the upper class in early 20th century Germany, particularly the idea that wealth and status are more important than love and companionship. Overall, "Drei alte Schachteln" is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Walter Kollo's talent for composing catchy and humorous music. Its premiere in 1913 was a success, and it remains a popular work in the German operatic repertoire.More....
