Composer

:

Engelbert Humperdinck

Genre

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

01:29:38

"Dornröschen" is an opera composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, with a libretto by his sister, Adelheid Wette. The opera is based on the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty" by the Brothers Grimm. It was composed between 1900 and 1902 and premiered on December 21, 1902, at the Hoftheater in Munich. The opera is divided into three acts and follows the story of Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her finger on a spindle and die on her sixteenth birthday. However, the good fairy, the Lilac Fairy, softens the curse so that Aurora will only fall into a deep sleep that can be broken by the kiss of a prince. The opera features a cast of characters including the King and Queen, the Prince, and various fairies. The first act takes place on Aurora's christening day, where the fairies are invited to bestow gifts upon the newborn princess. However, Carabosse, who was not invited, arrives and curses Aurora. The Lilac Fairy intervenes and softens the curse, but the King orders all spindles to be destroyed to prevent the curse from coming true. The second act takes place on Aurora's sixteenth birthday, where she discovers a spindle and pricks her finger, falling into a deep sleep. The Lilac Fairy puts the entire kingdom to sleep and creates a forest of thorns around the castle to protect Aurora until the Prince arrives. The third act sees the Prince battle his way through the thorns and awaken Aurora with a kiss. The couple is then married, and the fairies bless their union. The music of "Dornröschen" is characterized by its use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes associated with specific characters or events. The opera also features lush orchestration and a romantic, fairy tale-like atmosphere. Overall, "Dornröschen" is a charming and enchanting opera that captures the magic and wonder of the classic fairy tale. Its premiere in Munich was a great success, and it has since become a beloved staple of the operatic repertoire.

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