Composer

:

Gottfried von Einem

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1947

Average_duration

:

95:56

"Dantons Tod" is an opera composed by Gottfried von Einem in 1947. The plot is based on the play of the same name by Georg Büchner, which tells the story of the French Revolution and the downfall of Georges Danton, a prominent figure in the revolution. The opera is divided into three acts and features a libretto by Boris Blacher and Heinz von Cramer. The first act opens with a scene in which Danton and his friend Camille Desmoulins are discussing the revolution and the current state of affairs in France. They are joined by Lucile, Danton's wife, who is worried about her husband's safety. The scene is interrupted by the arrival of Robespierre, who accuses Danton of being a traitor and demands his arrest. The act ends with Danton being taken away by the authorities. The second act takes place in prison, where Danton is awaiting trial. He is visited by his wife and friends, who try to convince him to defend himself in court. However, Danton has lost his will to live and refuses to fight for his life. The act ends with Danton being taken to the guillotine. The third act is set in the streets of Paris, where the people are celebrating the downfall of Danton and the triumph of the revolution. However, Robespierre realizes that the revolution has gone too far and that he has become a tyrant. He is haunted by the ghosts of those he has executed, including Danton, and realizes that he has become the very thing he fought against. The opera ends with Robespierre being arrested and taken to the guillotine. "Dantons Tod" premiered on June 6, 1947, at the Salzburg Festival, conducted by Karl Böhm. The opera was well-received and established von Einem as one of the leading composers of his generation. The music is characterized by its dramatic intensity and use of dissonance, reflecting the turmoil and violence of the French Revolution. The opera is also notable for its use of spoken dialogue, which was a departure from the traditional operatic form. Overall, "Dantons Tod" is a powerful and thought-provoking opera that explores the themes of revolution, power, and corruption. It remains a significant work in the canon of 20th-century opera and continues to be performed and studied today.

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