Composer

:

Oscar Straus

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1904

Average_duration

:

65:45

Die Lustigen Nibelungen is an operetta composed by Oscar Straus in 1904. The plot is a humorous take on the Germanic legend of the Nibelungenlied, which tells the story of the hero Siegfried and his love for the princess Kriemhild. In Straus' version, the characters are portrayed as comical and exaggerated, and the story is filled with witty dialogue and catchy tunes. The operetta premiered on November 10, 1904, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, Austria. It was an immediate success, and quickly became one of the most popular operettas of its time. The music is characterized by its light and playful melodies, which are often accompanied by lively dance rhythms. The plot of Die Lustigen Nibelungen revolves around the love triangle between Siegfried, Kriemhild, and the villainous Hagen. In Straus' version, Siegfried is portrayed as a bumbling and naive hero, while Kriemhild is a strong-willed and independent princess. Hagen, on the other hand, is a conniving and scheming villain who is determined to win Kriemhild's hand. The operetta is divided into three movements, each of which features a different aspect of the story. The first movement introduces the characters and sets up the love triangle between Siegfried, Kriemhild, and Hagen. The second movement focuses on the wedding of Siegfried and Kriemhild, and the various hijinks that ensue. The final movement sees the resolution of the story, as Siegfried and Kriemhild are reunited and Hagen is defeated. Overall, Die Lustigen Nibelungen is a lighthearted and entertaining operetta that showcases Oscar Straus' talent for catchy melodies and witty lyrics. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved classic of the operetta genre.

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