The magic violin (opera)
| Work data | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The magic violin |
| Original title: | The magic violin |
| Shape: | Singspiel |
| Original language: | German |
| Music: | Werner Egk |
| Libretto : | Ludwig Andersen (= Ludwig Strecker the Younger) |
| Literary source: | Puppet show by Franz Graf von Pocci |
| Premiere: | May 22, 1935 |
| Place of premiere: | Frankfurt am Main |
| Playing time: | approx. 2 ¼ hours |
| Place and time of the action: | fairy tale |
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The Magic Violin is a cheerful opera in three acts (six pictures) by Werner Egk . The libretto was written by the composer himself and Ludwig Andersen (pseudonym of Ludwig Strecker the Younger ). It is based on a puppet play by Franz Graf von Pocci . It premiered on May 22, 1935 in Frankfurt am Main.
action
first act
_(M%C3%BCnchen,_1954).JPG)
Image: Bauernstube
Kaspar works on a farm. He works more badly than right and constantly dreams of a better life. One day he has had enough and quits. When he asks the farmer for his last wage, the latter makes him the bill that he still has three thalers to get from him for destroyed work equipment. He still has to work off this debt; then he could go.
The maid Gretl is in love with Kaspar. She actually wanted to go with him, but now she feels sorry for him. She agrees to stay on the farm, work off his debt and follow him later. As a farewell she gives him three cruisers so that he can afford something on the way.
Metamorphosis - image: forest, way of the cross and signpost
Kaspar walks through the forest. He meets a beggar who asks for alms. Although Kaspar himself is hungry, he gives the stranger the three cruisers that he received from Gretl. Now the beggar reveals himself as Cuperus, the ruler of the elemental spirits. Because Kaspar had shown a good heart, he could now make a wish from him. Kaspar asks for a magic violin, the play of which fulfills his every desire. As soon as he has expressed his wish, he is in possession of the magic violin. Cuperus points out to him, however, that the violin only unfolds magical power as long as he renounces love. Immediately afterwards the ruler of the elemental spirits disappears.
The next person Kaspar gets to know is the usurer Guldensack. Kaspar wants to try out his musical instrument on him. He begins to play on it and wishes that the rich man should dance. And indeed: Guldensack dances and dances until he sinks to the ground, exhausted.
The tramps Fangauf and Schnapper watched from a hiding place in the game. When Kaspar has disappeared, they come out, rob the unconscious gulden sack and run away as quickly as possible. Gradually the spirits of life are awakening again in the usurer. Because he can only remember the devil's violinist, he believes that Kaspar has robbed him and swears bloody vengeance on him.
Second act
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Image: dining room in the castle
Actually, the lady of the castle Ninabella had planned the performance of a small play for her evening party, but now the actors have fallen ill and have canceled. However, Ninabella has heard that there is currently a famous violinist named Spagatini in the city. She instructs her steward, who is none other than Guldensack, to hire him.
Metamorphosis - Image: Room in a posh inn
Spagatini is a pseudonym that Kaspar has acquired. Under this name he became famous as the devil's violinist and has already earned so much that he can stay in the best houses. Guldensack takes a closer look at him and recognizes the facial features of the supposed robber. Shortly afterwards, Gretl also enters the inn. She has since found a job as a maid in Ninabella's castle and has been commissioned by her mistress to deliver a letter to the violinist Spagatini. When she faces this, she immediately realizes that it is her beloved Kaspar. She expects him to take her in his arms, but is bitterly disappointed when Kaspar turns coldly from her. Because he is not allowed to tell her the reason, he drowns his worries in alcohol. He is already very tipsy when the mayor visits him. Nevertheless, he presented him with a gold chain of honor for his fine art of playing.
Third act
_(M%C3%BCnchen,_1954).JPG)
Image: Castle Park
Kaspar gives another successful concert, this time in the park of the Ninabella. She is so carried away by the musician that she then beguiles him very violently. Kaspar feels flattered and presses the noble lady a kiss on the lips. Then the nasty guild sack appears. He has the police in his tow and has Kaspar arrested. Desperate, the poor man reaches for his violin. But she lost her magic just at the moment when he kissed Ninabella. So he has no choice but to be led away.
Metamorphosis - Image: Hilly terrain with execution place
A court sentenced Kaspar to death. In vain Gretl asks for grace to be granted before justice. As luck would have it, the good spirit Cuperus is nearby. He wants to bail Kaspar one last time and hands him the magic violin. Guldensack has noticed this and fears bad things. Desperate, he shouts to take the guy's violin away immediately. Now the people are starting to rage. It really wants to hear Kaspar play again. Kaspar is already leading the bow to the strings when the two tramps run to the place of execution in a dance step and confess that they have robbed Guldensack. Kaspar is free again.
Cuperus explains to Kaspar that if he wants to keep the violin again, he must strictly adhere to the conditions he has set. However, Kaspar has now realized how much he is loved by Gretl. He can no longer imagine life without her. He'd rather give up money and fame. Relieved, he returns the magic violin to Cuperus.
music
“Die Zaubergeige” is a modern folk opera. The music is mostly tonal, spiced with some dissonant pops of color. It is therefore easy to open up to an audience that is otherwise not open to the “modern”. The interspersed Bavarian folk dances in two and three time form an important element.