Leonore 40/45
| Work data | |
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| Title: | Leonore 40/45 |
| Shape: | Opera semiseria |
| Original language: | partly German, partly French |
| Music: | Rolf Liebermann |
| Libretto : | Heinrich Strobel |
| Premiere: | March 26, 1952 |
| Place of premiere: | Basel |
| Playing time: | approx. 1 ¾ hours |
| Place and time of the action: | Germany and France 1939 to 1947 |
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Leonore 40/45 is an opera semiseria in a prelude and two acts (seven pictures) by Rolf Liebermann . Heinrich Strobel wrote the libretto . It premiered on March 26, 1952 in Basel .
action
The opera is set partly in Germany and partly in France from 1939 to 1947.
foreplay
Monsieur Émile, the Guardian Angel, introduces the audience to the action.
Germany in July 1939: Hermann listens to a broadcast of Beethoven's opera “ Fidelio ” in front of the radio . This is suddenly interrupted due to a special message. A voice announced that men born between 1905 and 1913 had to enter. Hermann's son Albert is also affected by this.
At the same time in Paris: The conversation between Madame Germaine and her daughter Yvette revolves around the impending war. They agree that this will probably not be stopped. However, Yvette is not afraid because she trusts in her guardian angel.
first act
The German troops have occupied Paris. In the winter of 1941/1942 Albert and Yvette met at a concert. Although they belong to the warring nations, they are immediately sympathetic. Yvette's mother invites the stranger to visit her and her daughter at home.
Autumn 1943: Albert and Yvette share a great love for music. This brings them closer and confesses their affection.
August 1944: The German troops withdraw from Paris. Albert has no choice but to say goodbye to his beloved with a heavy heart.
Second act
August 1945: Albert is in a French prisoner of war camp. His heart is filled with longing for Yvette.
A short time later, Monsieur Émile informed Yvette in Paris that her lover had been obliged to work for the instrument maker Lejeune. Incidentally, he notes that he is looking for a secretary. In order to be close to Albert, she applied for this position and was accepted.
Two years later, Yvette and Albert celebrate a wedding with their family members and numerous friends. Among the guests is Monsieur Émile dressed as an angel. To the delight of the guests, he works as a magician. In this way, he ensures that the young couple not only get new furnishings, but also a noble concert grand. At the end of the opera everyone joins the final chant: "Everything turns for the better in the best of all worlds."
music
The composer uses the twelve-tone technique in his score. But he uses this very freely, so that the music, despite its modernity, does not frighten even inexperienced opera visitors. In many places it resembles a kind of film music, which often only accompanies the plot.