Composer

:

Ernst Krenek

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1925 - 1926

Average_duration

:

90:26

Movement_count

:

33

Movement ....

Ernst Krenek's opera 'Jonny spielt auf' was composed in 1926 and premiered in Leipzig, Germany on February 10, 1927. The opera is set in Berlin during the 1920s and tells the story of a jazz musician named Jonny who becomes a sensation in the city's music scene. The plot revolves around Jonny's relationships with two women, the wealthy and sophisticated Countess Donna Anna and the young and naive Stasi, who is infatuated with him. The opera is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct musical style. The first movement is characterized by jazz and popular music, reflecting the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Berlin's nightlife. The second movement is more introspective and features a more traditional operatic style, as Jonny grapples with his feelings for the two women in his life. The final movement is a fusion of the two styles, as Jonny's fate is ultimately decided. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Jonny spielt auf' is its use of jazz and popular music, which was a departure from the traditional operatic style of the time. This caused controversy and sparked debates about the role of popular music in classical music. The opera also explores themes of love, jealousy, and the clash of cultures, as Jonny's music is seen as a threat to the traditional German culture. Despite the controversy, 'Jonny spielt auf' was a commercial success and became one of the most performed operas of the 1920s. It was also influential in shaping the development of modern opera, as it paved the way for the incorporation of popular music and other non-traditional elements into classical music.

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