Composer

:

Wilhelm Kienzl

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1894

"Der Evangelimann" is an opera composed by Wilhelm Kienzl. It premiered on December 4, 1895, at the Stadttheater in Leipzig, Germany. The opera is divided into three acts and tells the story of a young man named Storch who becomes a successful evangelist but ultimately loses his faith. The first act takes place in a small village in Austria, where Storch is a poor farmer. He falls in love with a young woman named Lieschen, but she is already engaged to another man. Storch becomes disillusioned with his life and decides to become an evangelist. He travels to the city and becomes very successful, but he begins to question his faith. The second act takes place several years later. Storch has become a famous evangelist and is married to a wealthy woman named Martha. However, he is still struggling with his faith and begins to have doubts about his beliefs. He meets Lieschen again, who is now a widow, and they confess their love for each other. The third act takes place in Storch's home. He has lost his faith and is tormented by his doubts. He decides to leave his wife and become a wandering preacher. Lieschen joins him, and they travel together, spreading a message of love and forgiveness. "Der Evangelimann" is known for its beautiful melodies and lush orchestration. Kienzl's use of leitmotifs helps to unify the opera and give it a sense of coherence. The opera also explores themes of faith, love, and redemption, making it a powerful and moving work.

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