Composer

:

Eduard Künneke

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1919

Average_duration

:

121:02

'Das Dorf ohne Glocke' is an opera composed by Eduard Künneke, a German composer, in 1925. The plot of the opera revolves around a small village that does not have a church bell. The villagers are unhappy about this and decide to raise funds to buy a bell. However, the village mayor, who is corrupt, steals the money and uses it for his own purposes. The villagers are left without a bell and are unable to call for help when a fire breaks out in the village. The opera explores themes of corruption, greed, and the power of community. The premiere of 'Das Dorf ohne Glocke' took place on December 23, 1925, at the Berlin State Opera. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike and became one of Künneke's most popular works. The opera is composed of three acts and features a variety of musical styles, including operetta, folk music, and classical music. The first movement of the opera introduces the village and its inhabitants. The villagers are shown going about their daily lives, and the lack of a church bell is a constant source of frustration for them. The second movement focuses on the corrupt mayor and his schemes to steal the money raised for the bell. The third movement sees the villagers coming together to confront the mayor and demand their money back. The final movement features a dramatic climax as a fire breaks out in the village, and the lack of a bell puts the villagers in danger. One of the characteristics of 'Das Dorf ohne Glocke' is its use of folk music. Künneke incorporates traditional German folk songs into the opera, giving it a distinctly local flavor. The opera also features a large ensemble cast, with many of the villagers having their own individual storylines and musical numbers. Overall, 'Das Dorf ohne Glocke' is a powerful and engaging opera that explores important themes of community, corruption, and the power of music. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved work of German opera.

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