Composer

:

Ernst Toch

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

12:33

Ernst Toch's 'Egon und Emilie, Op. 46' is a chamber opera in one act, composed in 1930. The opera premiered on May 23, 1931, at the Berlin State Opera, conducted by Otto Klemperer. The libretto, written by Toch himself, is based on a play by Franz Werfel. The opera consists of six movements, each depicting a different scene in the lives of the two protagonists, Egon and Emilie. The first movement, 'The Meeting', introduces the two characters as they meet for the first time. The second movement, 'The Proposal', sees Egon proposing to Emilie, who accepts. The third movement, 'The Wedding', depicts their wedding ceremony. The fourth movement, 'The Quarrel', shows the couple having a heated argument. The fifth movement, 'The Reconciliation', sees them making up and reaffirming their love for each other. The final movement, 'The Death', depicts Emilie's death and Egon's grief. Toch's music for 'Egon und Emilie' is characterized by its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which reflect the emotional turmoil of the characters. The vocal lines are often angular and fragmented, reflecting the characters' inner turmoil. The orchestration is spare, with a small ensemble of strings, woodwinds, and percussion, which allows the voices to be heard clearly. Overall, 'Egon und Emilie' is a powerful and emotionally charged work that explores the complexities of human relationships. Toch's music captures the drama and intensity of the story, making it a compelling and memorable opera.

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