Composer Viktor Nessler | ||
Der Trompeter von Säkkingen (The Trumpeter of Säkkingen) is an opera in a prologue and three acts by Viktor Nessler. The German libretto was by Rudolf Bunge, based on the epic poem, Der Trompeter von Säckingen [sic], by Joseph Viktor von Scheffel.
Contents
Performance history
The opera was first performed under Arthur Nikisch at the Carola Theater (or Stadttheater) in Leipzig, on 4 May 1884. It was Nessler's greatest success, albeit in part because of the popularity of von Scheffel's work. It was subsequently given at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on 23 November 1887, and at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London on 8 July 1892.
Synopsis
Setting: 17th-century Heidelberg and Säkkingen, after the Thirty Years War. The trumpeter Werner loves Maria, the daughter of the Baron, but her father and mother want her to marry the cowardly Damian. Werner proves himself a hero and is opportunely discovered to be of noble birth, so all ends happily.
Recordings
Nessler: Der Trompeter von Säkkingen – Cologne Radio Orchestra and Chorus