Composer

:

Siegfried Wagner

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1922

Average_duration

:

148:45

Die heilige Linde is an opera composed by Siegfried Wagner, the son of the famous composer Richard Wagner. The opera was composed in 1911 and premiered on August 24, 1913, at the Bayreuth Festival. The libretto was written by Harry Graf Kessler, a German writer and diplomat. The plot of the opera revolves around a sacred linden tree that is worshipped by the people of a small German village. The tree is said to have healing powers, and the villagers believe that it is protected by a spirit. The story begins with the arrival of a young man named Heinrich, who is seeking refuge from the authorities. He is taken in by a local farmer, and soon falls in love with the farmer's daughter, Gertrud. However, Gertrud is already engaged to a wealthy landowner named Konrad. When Konrad learns of Heinrich's presence, he becomes jealous and accuses him of stealing from him. Heinrich is arrested and sentenced to death, but Gertrud convinces Konrad to spare his life. In return, Konrad demands that Gertrud renounce her faith in the linden tree and marry him instead. Gertrud agrees to Konrad's demands, but on the day of the wedding, she is overcome with guilt and runs to the linden tree for comfort. Konrad follows her and attempts to cut down the tree, but is stopped by the spirit that protects it. The spirit reveals that Konrad's ancestors had cut down the original linden tree, and that the current tree was a replacement that had been blessed by the spirit. Konrad is humbled by the spirit's revelation and renounces his greed and jealousy. Gertrud and Heinrich are reunited, and the villagers celebrate the power of the linden tree and the spirit that protects it. The music of Die heilige Linde is characterized by lush orchestration and soaring melodies. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct musical themes and motifs. The first act is marked by a sense of foreboding and tension, as Heinrich's arrival disrupts the peaceful life of the village. The second act is more romantic and lyrical, as Heinrich and Gertrud's love blossoms. The final act is triumphant and celebratory, as the power of the linden tree is revealed and the characters are redeemed. Overall, Die heilige Linde is a powerful and moving opera that explores themes of love, faith, and redemption. It is a testament to Siegfried Wagner's talent as a composer and his ability to carry on his father's legacy while also forging his own unique musical style.

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