Composer

:

Franz Schreker

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1923

Average_duration

:

38:44

Movement_count

:

20

Movement ....

"Der Geburtstag der Infantin" is a one-act opera composed by Franz Schreker. The opera premiered on April 25, 1908, at the Court Opera in Vienna. The libretto was written by the composer himself, based on a play by Oscar Wilde. The opera is divided into three movements. The first movement is a prologue, which sets the scene for the story. The second movement is the main action of the opera, and the third movement is an epilogue. The story of "Der Geburtstag der Infantin" is a tragic tale of unrequited love. The plot revolves around a dwarf who falls in love with the beautiful and vain Infantin. The dwarf is hopelessly in love with her, but she is cruel and indifferent to his feelings. The opera explores themes of beauty, love, and the human condition. The music of "Der Geburtstag der Infantin" is characterized by Schreker's signature style, which is a blend of late Romanticism and early modernism. The music is lush and expressive, with rich harmonies and intricate orchestration. Schreker uses a wide range of musical techniques, including chromaticism, dissonance, and unconventional scales and modes. The vocal writing in "Der Geburtstag der Infantin" is challenging, with demanding roles for both the soprano and the tenor. The music requires a high level of technical skill and emotional depth from the performers. Overall, "Der Geburtstag der Infantin" is a powerful and haunting opera that showcases Schreker's unique musical voice. The opera's themes and music continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless masterpiece of the operatic repertoire.

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