Max and Moritz (Mohaupt)
Max und Moritz is a dance burlesque by Richard Mohaupt (libretto and music) and Alfredo Bortoluzzi ( choreography ). The picture story of the same name by Wilhelm Busch served them as a literary model . The ballet had its world premiere on December 18, 1949 at the Badisches Staatstheater in Karlsruhe .
people
- Max and Moritz
- widow Bolte
- Their three hens and a rooster (ballet children)
- Schneider Böck and his wife
- Teacher lamp
- Uncle Fritz
- The Miller
- The farmer and the farmer's wife
- Servants and Maidservants ( Corps de ballet )
Procedure and plot
First scene: the house and yard of the widow Bolte
While widow Bolte is taking a nap in her house ( Berceuse , Lento ), the rascals Max and Moritz lay four small pieces of bread attached to strings as bait for the poultry (Allegretto con moto). The rooster discovers the delicacies first and reports the find to the three hens ( Gigue , Vivace ). The death throes ( Presto ) follow the enjoyment of the meal . Widow Bolte discovers the mishap.
Ritornello ( Marcia funebre )
Second scene: kitchen, pantry and roof
The chickens are sizzling in the pan (Romance, Lento ). Max and Moritz climb the roof ( Perpetuum Mobile , Vivace ). When widow Bolte goes into the pantry, the rascals throw out a fishing rod that they use to pull the roast up to them. The widow returns to the kitchen and discovers the theft.
Ritornello ( siciliano )
Third scene: Schneider Böck's house, in front of it a stream with a footbridge
Böck sits on his table and sews ( Vivo ). Meanwhile, Max and Moritz saw the wooden bridge halfway through. Then they lure the tailor out of the house by mocking him ( Serenade , Allegro - Allegro vivace ). When he crossed the bridge while on the chase, it broke in two. Böck falls into the stream. After he has reached the bank again, he shivers ( pantomime ). After that he was plagued by stomach cramps (grotesque dance, andante con brio ). His wife tries to dry him with the help of an iron.
Ritornello ( Andante academico )
Fourth scene: Teacher's house and organ gallery
While the teacher is playing the organ in the church (chorale prelude, Andante assai ), the rascals stuff powder into the head of the meerschaum pipe at home. After the service ( Cantus firmus , Allegretto ) teacher Lämpel returns to his house. As soon as he lit the tobacco, there is an explosion ( Presto ). Lampe looks like a pile of misery ( Adagio ).
Ritornello (allegro non troppo)
Fifth scene: Uncle Fritz's house and garden
Max and Moritz shake a tree until the cockchafer tumble down. They collect these and place them under the uncle's blanket ( Notturno , Andante misterioso ). When the boys have disappeared, Uncle Fritz comes dancing ( Allemande , Allegretto ) and goes to bed tired (Burlesca cacciata, Vivace ). At first he seems to be sleeping soundly; but then the beetles attack him and wake him up. In the moonlight he hunts the insects (pantomime).
Ritornell and Pastoral ( Allegretto con moto )
Sixth scene: In the mill
Max and Moritz cut holes in the sacks of grain. When the miller notices the prank, he gets angry and dances like a fury ( Vivace pesante ). He succeeds in catching the rascals and putting them in a sack. He throws it into the mill funnel ( gallop ).
apotheosis
The grinding process makes the mill rattle loudly. Suddenly the mill wheel stops. Deviating from the literary model, Max and Moritz emerge unharmed and perform a funny dance ( Presto - Prestissimo ).
annotation
Often attempts have been made to create a stage version of Wilhelm Busch's most popular work. The project was almost always doomed to failure. But ballet seems to be the most suitable art form for this. Mohaupt uses historical dance forms in his composition, which he adapts to the Danse d'action . Because ballet wants to appeal not only to adults but also to children as a target group, the music is very catchy, funny and always remains tonal.
literature
- Otto Friedrich Regner, Heinz-Ludwig Schneider: Reclam's ballet guide . 8th edition. Reclam, Stuttgart 1980, ISBN 3-15-008042-8 .