Mussorgsky’s masterpiece is an opera with a unique history. Never completed, by the composer, it has undergone numerous different versions, obtaining a premiere on Jan. 27, 1874. Other famous composers have even had their day with the work, offering up their own revisions (read more below). It has been the subject of much study and debate, and for many, is {…}
“Così fan tutte” is the third opera in the Mozart-Da Ponte trilogy, following “Le Nozze di Figaro” and “Don Giovanni.” The opera had its premiere on Jan. 26, 1790, at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria. The work’s title is often translated into English as “Woman are like that,” undeniably a reference to the opera’s central theme that questions women’s fidelity. {…}
Of all of Richard Strauss’ operas, none is more famous than “Der Rosenkavalier.” The work, written by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, premiered on Jan. 26, 1911. While a comedy on the surface, the opera muses on the passing of time and the challenges of growing old, as explored through the character of the Marschallin. The opera was a massive success at {…}
First premiering on January 26, 1957, “Dialogues des Carmelites” is a dramatization of the events surrounding the Martyrs of Compiegne, who remained faithful unto death during France’s Reign of Terror. The work delves into the theme of virtue in a world seemingly rife with corruption, and is notable for its final scene which features the repeated sound of a falling {…}
First making its premiere on Jan. 25, 1909, “Elektra” is a one-act retelling of the Ancient Greek play written by Sophocles. It is set a few short years after the Trojan War and minimizes certain events for the sake of fixating on Elektra’s quest for revenge upon her mother Clytemnestra. In regards to theme and musicality, “Elektra” bears much resemblance to {…}
Aside from “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” there is perhaps no more popular opera by Rossini than his interpretation of the immortal Cinderella tale. “Cenerentola” premiered on Jan. 25, 1817, and while it became popular in its early life, it fell out of favor until a Rossini renaissance took place in the second half of the 20th century. Short Plot Summary {…}
“I Puritani” is Bellini’s final opera, and for some, his best. The opera had its premiere on Jan. 24, 1835, seven months before the composer’s untimely death at the age of 33. The work is often criticized for its dramatic structure, though few complain about its musical genius, showcasing Bellini at his most refined and evolved melodically. Short Plot Summary {…}
Making its premiere on January 22, 1934, “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District” is adapted from a novel of the same name written by Nikolai Leskov. The opera was banned for nearly thirty years by the Communist Party in Russia after it was deemed to be offensive; one performance at the Bolshoi Theatre was attended by none other than Joseph {…}
First premiering on Jan. 21, 1904, “Jenufa” is adapted from a play by Gabriela Preissova titled “Jeji pastorkyna” meaning “Her Stepdaughter.” The opera is noted for its bleak story, involving jealousy, deceit, and infanticide. Janáček dedicated this work to his daughter Olga, who died less than a year prior. Short Plot Summary In a Moravian village, there is a Grandmother {…}
First premiering on January 20 1892, “La Wally” is based on a story by Wilhelmine von Hillern titled “Die Geier-Wally: Eine Geschichte aus den Tyroler Alpen.” While possessing a bold heroine and a striking plot, the opera is seldom staged due to the difficulties of recreating the avalanche in Act IV. Despite this, there exist a small handful of recordings of {…}
Massenet composed legions of operas. But “Manon” remains the most renowned of his works, presenting frequently all around the world to this very day. The opera had its world premiere on Jan. 19, 1884, and has never left the stage. Based on the Abbé Prévost’s famed novel from 1731, the opera takes liberties with the material, though the core of {…}