Cain (opera)
| Work data | |
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| Title: | Cain |
| Original title: | Cain |
| Original language: | German |
| Music: | Eugen d'Albert |
| Libretto : | Heinrich Bulthaupt |
| Premiere: | 17th February 1900 |
| Place of premiere: | Berlin |
| Place and time of the action: | A rocky area in front of Adam's hut, after the expulsion from paradise |
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Cain is a musical tragedy in one act by Eugen d'Albert . Heinrich Bulthaupt wrote the libretto . The opera premiered on February 17, 1900 at the Royal Opera House in Berlin .
action
The first family is in front of Adam's hut in the evening. Hanoch would like to know how it was in paradise. Suddenly the paradisiacal memories appear to Abel ( a shine breaks through the tree tops ), which his brother Cain cannot share. Adam remains in his devotion and says a night prayer ( evening and morning praise you, Lord ). All but Cain go to sleep in the hut. Cain, now alone, asks the Lord to speak to him ( Emerge from the crowds of clouds and stars, from the field and the sea floor, where the ruler's throne prepares you. Emerge! ). During this prayer Lucifer climbs up from the rock in the background, Cain is frightened at the dark figure. In response to Cain's complaint, Lucifer replied: Through me you became what you were good at: becoming and change, happiness and despair, good and bad, life and - death. Startled, Cain recognizes the snake in Lucifer. Nevertheless, Lucifer seduces Cain into seeing death as redemption from earthly suffering. With dawn, Lucifer disappears.
The sun rises, Abel steps out of the hut ( blessed is the slumber. Blessed is it to wait for the approaching morning ) and wakes Cain with his call. There is an argument between the brothers. Cain wants to smash a victim of Abel, but Abel falls into his arms. The dispute intensifies and Cain smashes the altar with an ax. In a frenzy, he finally kills Abel. The Lord calls: Cain, Cain, where is your brother Abel? Cain tries in vain to deny what he has done. The rest of the family steps out of the hut and becomes aware of the terrible event. Cain is determined to kill his son Hanoch, whom Adah hides screaming. Adam intervenes with the ax, but is stopped by Adah. Cain is deeply shaken and embraces woman and child. A thunderstorm is approaching, the Lord imposes original sin.
literature
- Eugen d'Albert: Cain. Musical tragedy in one act . Libretto. Bote & Bock, Berlin 1900, DNB 571988458 ( urn : nbn: de: hebis: 30-1096844 ).
- Charlotte Pangels: Eugen d'Albert: wonder pianist and composer. A biography. Atlantis, Zurich / Freiburg i. Br. 1981, ISBN 3-7611-0595-9 .
Web links
- Work data on Cain based on the MGG with discography at Operone