Written 1925 Composer Othmar Schoeck Librettist Othmar Schoeck | First performance 8 January 1927 Language German | |
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Based on Penthesilea
by Heinrich von Kleist Premiere 8 January 1927 (1927-01-08)
Semperoper, Dresden Similar Cardillac, Bluthochzeit, Der Protagonist, Daphne, Antigonae | ||
Othmar schoeck penthesilea op 39 1924 1925
Penthesilea is a one-act opera by Othmar Schoeck, to a German-language libretto by the composer, after the work of the same name by Heinrich von Kleist. It was first performed at the Staatsoper in Dresden, Germany on 8 January 1927.
Contents
- Othmar schoeck penthesilea op 39 1924 1925
- Pascal dusapin penthesilea extraits
- Synopsis
- Recordings
- References
Schoeck used the contrast between C major and F♯ major as a musical basis for his work. Robin Holloway has noted the similarity of theme to Richard Strauss' Elektra, as well as Schoeck's use of two pianos in the instrumentation.
Pascal dusapin penthesilea extraits
Synopsis
The story is about the tragic love of Penthesilea, Queen of the Amazons, and Achilles.
Achilles has defeated the Amazon queen Penthesilea in battle. However, he falls in love with her. After Penthesilea has recovered, Achilles allows her to think that she defeated him, because Amazon law stipulates a warrior may only associate with a man whom she has defeated. Under this idea, Penthesilea returns the affections of Achilles. However, she finally does learn the truth, that in fact he defeated her in battle, and her love for him becomes hatred. Achilles then offers a second challenge to her, but he plans to come unarmed and to let her win. In her anger, she takes up the challenge, and in the duel, she savagely kills him.