Composer

:

Alexander von Zemlinsky

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1935 - 1938

First Performance

:

Oct 6, 1996

Average_duration

:

129:26

"König Kandaules" is an opera composed by Alexander von Zemlinsky, with a libretto by the composer himself, based on the play "Le Roi Candaule" by André Gide. The opera was composed between 1930 and 1931, and premiered on March 10, 1936, at the State Opera in Dresden, Germany. The plot of "König Kandaules" revolves around the story of King Kandaules, who is obsessed with showing off his beautiful wife, Queen Nyssia, to his friend Gyges. Kandaules insists that Gyges must see Nyssia naked, and forces her to comply. Nyssia is humiliated and outraged, and seeks revenge by conspiring with Gyges to kill Kandaules. The opera explores themes of power, desire, and betrayal, and features a complex and psychologically nuanced portrayal of the characters. The music of "König Kandaules" is characterized by Zemlinsky's signature blend of late Romanticism and modernist techniques. The score is richly orchestrated, with lush harmonies and intricate textures that reflect the emotional intensity of the drama. The vocal writing is equally complex, with demanding roles for the three principal singers, who must navigate a range of vocal and dramatic challenges. The premiere of "König Kandaules" was met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising the music and the performances, while others criticized the libretto and the staging. Despite its initial reception, the opera has since gained a reputation as one of Zemlinsky's most important works, and has been revived in numerous productions around the world. "König Kandaules" is divided into three acts, each of which is further divided into several scenes. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the central conflict, as Kandaules insists that Gyges must see Nyssia naked. The second act explores the aftermath of this event, as Nyssia seeks revenge and Gyges struggles with his loyalty to Kandaules. The third act culminates in a dramatic confrontation between the three characters, as they confront the consequences of their actions. Overall, "König Kandaules" is a complex and challenging work that showcases Zemlinsky's mastery of both musical and dramatic form. Its exploration of themes of power, desire, and betrayal remains relevant and thought-provoking to this day, and its richly textured score continues to captivate audiences and performers alike.

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