Composer

:

Hans Sommer

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1921

Average_duration

:

1:28

'König und Floh' is a chamber opera composed by Hans Sommer, a German composer, in 1890. The opera premiered on 22nd November 1890 at the Stadttheater in Leipzig, Germany. The libretto was written by Carl Hauptmann, the brother of the famous German playwright Gerhart Hauptmann. The opera consists of three movements and is scored for a small ensemble of six instruments, including a string quartet, clarinet, and piano. The first movement, titled "Prologue," sets the scene for the opera and introduces the characters of the King and the Flea. The second movement, "The King's Dream," is a dream sequence in which the King is visited by the Flea, who convinces him to abdicate his throne. The final movement, "The Coronation of the Flea," depicts the Flea's coronation as the new King. The opera is characterized by its use of leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. The Flea's leitmotif is a playful and mischievous melody played by the clarinet, while the King's leitmotif is a regal and stately melody played by the strings. The music also features elements of German Romanticism, with lush harmonies and expressive melodies. The story of 'König und Floh' is a satirical allegory about power and corruption. The Flea represents the corrupting influence of power, while the King represents the vulnerability of those in positions of authority. The opera was well-received at its premiere and has since become a staple of the chamber opera repertoire.

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