Composer

:

Karl Goldmark

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1869 - 1871

Average_duration

:

200:33

Die Königin von Saba is an opera in four acts composed by Karl Goldmark. The opera was composed between 1873 and 1875 and premiered on March 10, 1875, at the Vienna Court Opera. The libretto was written by Salomon Hermann Mosenthal, based on the biblical story of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. The opera is set in Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon. The Queen of Sheba, a powerful and wealthy ruler, hears of King Solomon's wisdom and travels to Jerusalem to meet him. She is accompanied by her court and a group of merchants, including the young and handsome Assad, who is immediately smitten with Solomon's beautiful and virtuous wife, Sulamith. As the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon get to know each other, they fall in love. However, their love is complicated by the fact that Solomon is already married to Sulamith and the Queen of Sheba is engaged to Assad. The Queen of Sheba must decide whether to stay with Solomon or return to her own kingdom and fulfill her duty to her people. The opera is known for its lush and exotic score, which incorporates Middle Eastern and Jewish melodies. The opening scene features a chorus of merchants singing a lively and rhythmic song, while the Queen of Sheba's entrance is accompanied by a grand and majestic orchestral theme. The love duet between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon is one of the opera's highlights, featuring soaring melodies and lush harmonies. Die Königin von Saba was a popular success at its premiere and has remained a staple of the operatic repertoire in German-speaking countries. The opera's themes of love, duty, and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today.

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