Composer

:

Othmar Schoeck

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1923 - 1925

Publication Date

:

1927

First Performance

:

Jan 8, 1927

Average_duration

:

87:01

Penthesilea is an opera composed by Othmar Schoeck in 1927. The plot is based on the Greek myth of the Amazon queen Penthesilea, who falls in love with the Greek hero Achilles during the Trojan War. The opera is divided into three acts and features a libretto by the Swiss poet Robert Reinick. The first act introduces Penthesilea and her Amazon warriors, who have come to Troy to fight alongside the Trojans. Penthesilea is a fierce warrior, but she is also haunted by a sense of loneliness and longing for love. When she sees Achilles for the first time, she is immediately smitten and resolves to win his love. The second act features a series of encounters between Penthesilea and Achilles, in which they engage in a passionate and violent love affair. However, their love is doomed from the start, as they are on opposite sides of the war and cannot be together. As the battle rages on around them, Penthesilea becomes increasingly desperate and unhinged, leading to a tragic and violent conclusion. The third act sees Penthesilea's downfall, as she is defeated in battle and ultimately killed by Achilles. The opera ends with a haunting chorus, mourning the loss of Penthesilea and the tragedy of war. Penthesilea premiered on June 18, 1927, at the Stadttheater in Zurich, Switzerland. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it has since become one of Schoeck's most famous works. The music is characterized by its lush, Romantic style, with soaring melodies and rich orchestration. The vocal writing is also notable, with challenging roles for both the soprano playing Penthesilea and the tenor playing Achilles. Overall, Penthesilea is a powerful and moving opera that explores themes of love, war, and tragedy. Its timeless story and beautiful music continue to captivate audiences today.

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