Composer

:

Rolf Liebermann

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

70:52

'Penelope' is an opera composed by Rolf Liebermann, which premiered on March 16, 1954, at the Hamburg State Opera. The libretto was written by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, a Swiss playwright, and novelist. The opera is based on the Greek myth of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, who waits for her husband's return from the Trojan War for twenty years. The plot of the opera revolves around Penelope, who is waiting for her husband's return. She is surrounded by suitors who want to marry her and take over her kingdom. Penelope, however, remains faithful to her husband and rejects all the suitors. The suitors become angry and plot to kill her son, Telemachus. Penelope, with the help of the goddess Athena, saves her son and finally reunites with her husband, Odysseus. The opera is divided into three movements. The first movement is set in Penelope's palace, where she is waiting for her husband's return. The second movement takes place in the suitors' camp, where they plot to kill Telemachus. The final movement is set in the palace again, where Penelope and Odysseus are reunited. The music of 'Penelope' is characterized by its use of dissonance and atonality. The opera also features a large orchestra, which includes a percussion section, brass, woodwinds, and strings. The vocal parts are challenging, with the singers required to perform complex melodic lines and intricate harmonies. 'Penelope' was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was praised for its innovative music and its modern interpretation of the Greek myth. The opera has since been performed in many countries around the world, cementing its place as a classic of modern opera.

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