Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1943

Average_duration

:

6:09

Capriccio, Op. 85 (TrV 279b) is a chamber opera composed by Richard Strauss. It was premiered on October 28, 1942, at the Nationaltheater in Munich, Germany. The libretto was written by Strauss himself, and it tells the story of a Countess who is torn between two suitors, a poet and a composer, who are both vying for her affection. The opera is divided into a prologue and one act, and it features a cast of seven characters. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies, lyrical melodies, and intricate orchestration. The score includes a variety of musical styles, including a waltz, a minuet, and a fugue. The prologue sets the stage for the opera, introducing the characters and their relationships. The Countess is the central figure, and she is portrayed as a woman of great beauty and intelligence. The poet and the composer are both in love with her, and they engage in a lively debate about the relative merits of their respective art forms. The main action of the opera takes place in the Countess's salon, where she is hosting a party. The poet and the composer continue to vie for her attention, and they each perform a work of art for her. The poet recites a sonnet, while the composer plays a piece of music on the piano. In the end, the Countess is unable to choose between the two suitors, and she decides that the question of whether poetry or music is superior is ultimately unanswerable. The opera concludes with a beautiful ensemble number, in which all of the characters sing together in harmony. Overall, Capriccio is a charming and elegant work, which showcases Strauss's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create memorable melodies. It is a fitting tribute to the art of opera, and a testament to the enduring power of music and poetry.

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