Composer

:

Ernst Krenek

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

6:51

Ernst Krenek's "Monolog der Stella, Op. 57" is a one-act opera composed in 1926. The opera premiered on May 15, 1927, at the Frankfurt Opera House in Germany. The libretto was written by the composer himself, based on a play by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The opera consists of a single character, Stella, who is a famous actress. The plot revolves around her inner thoughts and feelings as she prepares for a performance. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different stage in Stella's emotional journey. The first movement, "Erwachen" (Awakening), begins with Stella waking up and reflecting on her life and career. She expresses her frustration with the limitations of her profession and her desire for something more meaningful. The music is introspective and melancholic, with a sense of longing and yearning. The second movement, "Vorbereitung" (Preparation), sees Stella getting ready for her performance. She is nervous and anxious, and the music reflects her agitation. The tempo is faster, and the music is more dissonant and fragmented, reflecting Stella's inner turmoil. The final movement, "Auftritt" (Performance), sees Stella taking the stage. The music is triumphant and energetic, reflecting her confidence and passion for her craft. The opera ends with Stella's triumphant performance, and the music fades out as she takes her final bow. "Monolog der Stella, Op. 57" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Krenek's skill as a composer. The music is complex and challenging, with a mix of tonal and atonal elements. The opera is a tour de force for any soprano, requiring a strong and expressive voice to convey Stella's inner thoughts and emotions. Overall, "Monolog der Stella, Op. 57" is a masterpiece of 20th-century opera that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

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