Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1918 - 1923

First Performance

:

Nov 4, 1924

Average_duration

:

73:28

Movement_count

:

14

Movement ....

Intermezzo is an opera composed by Richard Strauss, with a libretto by the composer himself. The opera was composed between 1923 and 1924 and premiered on November 4, 1924, at the Dresden State Opera. The opera is in two acts and is based on the composer's own life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Pauline de Ahna. The plot of Intermezzo revolves around the character of Robert Storch, a famous composer who is married to Christine, a former opera singer. The couple has a young son, Franzl, and they live in a luxurious villa in Vienna. The opera begins with Robert returning home from a trip to Berlin, where he has been conducting his latest opera. He is tired and irritable, and he is annoyed to find that his wife has invited a young man, Baron Lummer, to stay with them. Robert becomes convinced that his wife is having an affair with the Baron, and he becomes increasingly jealous and paranoid. He even goes so far as to confront the Baron and accuse him of seducing his wife. However, it turns out that Christine has been completely faithful to Robert, and the Baron is actually in love with their housekeeper, Anna. The second act of the opera takes place a few months later, and Robert and Christine have reconciled. However, Robert is still struggling with his jealousy and insecurity, and he becomes convinced that Christine is having an affair with a young composer named Max. He even goes so far as to write a letter to Max, accusing him of seducing his wife. However, when Christine discovers the letter, she is furious and decides to leave Robert. The opera ends with Robert realizing the error of his ways and begging Christine to forgive him. She agrees to stay with him, and the couple is reunited. Intermezzo is known for its lush, romantic score, which features many of Strauss's signature musical techniques, such as complex harmonies, rich orchestration, and soaring melodies. The opera is also notable for its use of spoken dialogue, which was a departure from the traditional recitative style of opera. Overall, Intermezzo is a deeply personal work that reflects Strauss's own struggles with jealousy and insecurity in his marriage. It is a poignant and moving exploration of the complexities of love and relationships, and it remains a beloved work in the operatic repertoire.

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