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Rusalka - Dvorák

Rusalka © Gianmarco Bresadola

Dvorák Rusalka

From 09 February TO 16 February 2025
Staatsoper Unter den Linden - Berlin
Program

Dvorák : Rusalka

Cast
  • Conductor
    Tomas Hanus
  • Director
    Kornél Mundruczó
  • Performers
    Rusalka: Christiane Karg
    Prince: Brian Jagde
    Vodnik, The Water Man: Jongmin Park
    Jezibaba: Anna Kissjudit
    The Foreign Princess: Anna Samuil
  • Venue Info
  • Seating Plan
  • Synopsis

Staatsoper Unter den Linden - Berlin LocationUnter den Linden 7 - 10117 Berlin Allemagne

When the opera house situated on the Lindenallee was inaugurated in 1742, Frederick the Great intended to turn it into the cultural symbol of his ideal capital, the hub of the "Forum Fridericianum." This "enchanted palace," as the enlightened despot called it, is one of the rare vestiges of the old city still visible today, and a large part of German musics cultural heritage is contained within its walls. The Berlin Staatskapelle, for example, the orchestra connected with the opera, was founded in 1570 and the list of its permanent conductors includes names such as those of Meyerbeer, Mendelssohn, Richard Strauss, Furtwangler, Klemperer and Karajan! During the 19th century, the Berlin Opera remained a royal opera, where Weber's FREISCHUTZ was premiered. The activities of the Berlin Staatskapelle developed under Spontini's responsability, the first "Preussischer Generalmusikdirektor," ever appointed. This goes to show the importance of the ensemble in German musical life at that time, an importance which constantly grew, especially after the "Sinfonie-Soireen" were created in 1842, open to the public by subscription.

In 1919, the Royal Opera became a state opera, and played an active role in the exhuberant artistic activity that rocked Germany during the twenties: Erich Kleiber presented Berg's WOZZECK and popular harmonies of composers such as Kurt Weill resounded in this shrine of the lyrical repertoire, until Nazism cut short a period of intense creativity. During the war, Karajan forged his reputation in the theatre, until bombs destroyed the building, partially in 1941, and completely in 1945.

Because of its geographical situation, the Staatsoper became, in 1949, the Opera of East Berlin. In 1955, the East German administration reinstalled the company in its illustrious hall, rebuilt along the original plans, and one could soon applaud singers such as Peter Schreier and Theo Adam on its stage, musicians who helped create a truly Eastern German singing tradition.

Since the German reunification, the institution has been completely reorganized, especially under the impetus of Daniel Barenboim, who became its General Music Director in 1992. Proud of its impressive history, the present day Opera Unter den Linden hardly neglects its baroque beginnings, and it henceforth counts amongst those that most often produce pre-Mozartian lyrical works, such as CLEOPATRA E CESARE by Graun which opened the Opera's first season in 1742. But the house also commissions works by Pierre Boulez, while defending the traditional repertoire, in which Wagner occupies a large place. By thus juxtaposing tradition and innovation, the Opera Unter den Linden has become one of the institutions most representative of Berlin's new dynamism.

Staatsoper Unter den Linden

The seating plan is given as an indication and has no contractual value.
The division of categories may differ depending on shows and dates.

Synopsis

Rusalka

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RUSALKA, A SUPERB PRODUCTION

As one of the most successful Czech operas, Rusalka was created by the genius mind of Antonin Dvorak. The Czech libretto, developed by poet Jaroslav Kvapil, is derived from the fairy tales of Karel Jaromir Erben and Bozena Nemcova. The Opera represents the keystone of the Czech opera houses portfolio.

A Rusalk is a water-dwelling sprite that originates from Slavic mythology. Surprisingly this opera was not a major segment of Dvorak's international reputation. Only in recent years has the opera been performed by major companies.

THE HISTORY

Described as a "sad, modern fairy tale," this Opera retains elements from The Little Mermaid (Hans Christian Andersen) and Undine (Frederich dabe la Motte Fouque). Although the libretto was completed in 1899, Kvapil went searching for composers interested in this opera. His composer friends sent him to see Dvorak who read the libretto and composed the opera quickly.

Act 1: A MEADOW BY THE EDGE OF A LAKE

In a nearby lake, three wood-sprites tease the Water Goblin who rules the lake. A water sprite and the daughter of the Water Goblin, Rusalka, notifies her father that she has fallen deeply in love with a human Prince. He sends her to Jezibaba, a witch, for guidance. Jezibaba informs her that if she becomes human by drinking the potion; she will lose all powers of speech. If rejected by the human Prince, she will be damned to the bottom of the lake forever. She agrees and then drinks the potion to become human. The Prince finds her and leads her away.

Act 2 - THE GARDEN OF THE PRINCE'S CASTLE

The Gamekeeper and Kitchen Boy suspect witchcraft when they catch wind that the Prince will be marrying a nameless bridge. The Prince is lavishing attention from a Foreign Princess who is a guest. The Foreign Princess curses the newlyweds because of extreme jealously. As a result, he rejects his bride who returns back to the pond while the Foreign Princess wins over the Prince.

Act 3 - A MEADOW BY THE EDGE OF A LAKE

She calls on Jezibaba to find a solution and tells her that she can save herself from damnation if she kills the Prince with a magic dagger. Given her feelings for the Prince, Rusalka rejects the offer and disposes of the knife in the lake. She then turns into a bludicka (spirit of death who lures humans into the lake to their deaths). The Gamekeeper and Kitchen Boy contact the Water Goblin who tells them that the Prince has betrayed his daughter. The Prince comes to the lake and the two passionately kiss, bringing him to his death. She thanks the Prince for allowing her to experience human emotion, extols his soul to God and returns to the bottom of the lake.

MAIN ROLES

Rusalka, a water nymph, soprano
The Prince, a betrayer, tenor
Vodnik, the water goblin, bass
Jezibaba, a witch, mezzo-soprano
Turnspit, the Kitchen Boy, soprano
The Gamekeeper, tenor

Staatsoper Unter den Linden

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