Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1940 - 1941

First Performance

:

Oct 28, 1942

Average_duration

:

137:40

Movement_count

:

22

Movement ....

Capriccio is an opera in one act composed by Richard Strauss, with a libretto by Clemens Krauss and Strauss himself. The opera was composed between 1940 and 1941, during the Second World War, and premiered on October 28, 1942, at the Nationaltheater in Munich, Germany. The plot of Capriccio revolves around the Countess Madeleine, who is courted by two suitors: the poet Olivier and the composer Flamand. The Countess is torn between the two men, as she loves them both for different reasons. The opera explores the themes of art, love, and the relationship between words and music. Capriccio is divided into two movements, with a total running time of approximately two hours. The first movement is a prologue, in which the characters are introduced and the central conflict is established. The second movement is the main action of the opera, in which the Countess must choose between Olivier and Flamand. One of the most notable characteristics of Capriccio is its use of meta-theatricality. The opera is self-referential, with the characters discussing the nature of art and the role of music and words in opera. This meta-theatricality is reflected in the music, which incorporates elements of both opera and chamber music. Another characteristic of Capriccio is its use of extended musical passages. The opera features several long musical interludes, including a string sextet and a duet between the Countess and Flamand. These passages allow the music to take center stage, emphasizing the importance of music in the opera. Capriccio received mixed reviews upon its premiere, with some critics praising its music and others criticizing its libretto. However, the opera has since become a staple of the operatic repertoire, known for its beautiful music and thoughtful exploration of the relationship between words and music.

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