Composer

:

Carl Nielsen

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1898 - 1901

Average_duration

:

121:58

"Saul and David" is an opera composed by Carl Nielsen in 1901-1902. The libretto was written by Einar Christiansen, based on the biblical story of King Saul and his successor, David. The opera premiered on December 28, 1902, at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. The opera is divided into three acts and features a large cast of characters, including Saul, David, Jonathan, Michal, Abner, and Samuel. The first act sets the scene with Saul's army preparing for battle against the Philistines. Saul is plagued by doubts and fears, and his relationship with his son Jonathan is strained. David, a young shepherd, arrives at the camp and offers to fight Goliath, the Philistine champion. Saul agrees, and David defeats Goliath with a single stone from his sling. In the second act, Saul becomes jealous of David's popularity and success and plots to kill him. Jonathan tries to intervene, but Saul is determined to eliminate David. Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, helps David escape, and they flee to the wilderness. The third act takes place years later, after Saul and Jonathan have been killed in battle. David has become king and is mourning their deaths. Abner, Saul's former general, tries to overthrow David and install Saul's remaining son as king. David defeats Abner and forgives him, showing mercy and compassion. The music of "Saul and David" is characterized by Nielsen's use of folk melodies and rhythms, as well as his innovative harmonies and orchestration. The opera features a wide range of musical styles, from the grandeur of the battle scenes to the intimacy of the love duets between David and Michal. Overall, "Saul and David" is a powerful and moving opera that explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and forgiveness. It remains one of Nielsen's most popular works and is considered a masterpiece of Danish opera.

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