Composer

:

Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

126:05

Movement_count

:

17

Movement ....

'Die tote Stadt' is an opera composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold in 1920. The plot revolves around a man named Paul who is still grieving the loss of his wife, Marie. He has created a shrine to her in his home and spends his days lost in memories of their life together. One day, he meets a woman named Marietta who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased wife. He becomes obsessed with her and begins to see her as a reincarnation of Marie. However, Marietta is a very different person from Marie, and Paul's obsession with her leads to a series of tragic events. The opera premiered in Hamburg in 1920 and was an immediate success. It was later performed in Vienna, Berlin, and other major European cities. The music of 'Die tote Stadt' is characterized by its lush, romantic melodies and its use of leitmotifs to represent different characters and themes. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which explores different aspects of Paul's obsession with Marie/Marietta. The first movement, titled "The City of the Dead," introduces us to Paul and his world of memories. We see him wandering through the streets of Bruges, the city where he and Marie lived, and we hear his thoughts as he remembers their life together. The music in this movement is dreamy and nostalgic, with a sense of longing and loss. The second movement, titled "Marietta's Song," introduces us to Marietta, the woman who will become Paul's obsession. She sings a seductive song that captures Paul's attention and draws him into her world. The music in this movement is more lively and energetic than in the first movement, reflecting the excitement and passion that Marietta brings into Paul's life. The third movement, titled "The Carnival," is the most dramatic and intense of the three. It takes place during a carnival in Bruges, where Paul and Marietta have arranged to meet. As the night progresses, Paul becomes increasingly unstable and violent, and the music reflects his descent into madness. The leitmotifs that have been used throughout the opera come together in a powerful climax, as Paul confronts Marietta and his obsession with her. Overall, 'Die tote Stadt' is a powerful and emotional opera that explores themes of love, loss, and obsession. Its lush, romantic music and complex characters have made it a favorite of opera lovers around the world.

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