Günther von Schwarzburg (opera)

"Günther von Schwarzburg" is a Singspiel in three acts by Ignaz Holzbauer. The German libretto was by Anton Klein.

The librettist, a former Jesuit who taught philosophy and literature at Mannheim University, was a strong advocate for the use of German and set about writing a libretto comparable to those written for Italian opera seria. The writing was also influenced by contemporary Sturm und Drang literature. However the colourful music was praised more than the drama when it was originally heard. Mozart attended a performance in November 1777 and wrote to his father on November 14, 1777:

"Holzbauer's music is very beautiful. The poetry is unworthy of such music. What surprises me most of all is that someone as old as Holzbauer still possesses so much spirit; you wouldn't believe how much fire there is in the music." [Abert, Hermann (2007) p. 391]

"Günther von Schwarzburg" was the first full German opera score to come off a printing press. The beautifully engraved edition was published by the Mannheim firm of Johann Michael Götz with a dedication to Karl Theodor:

"the most illustrious patron of music under whose august protection the Platinate Theatre has first hymned the praises of a German hero". [Abert, Hermann (2007) p. 391]

Performance history

The first performance took place at the Hoftheater in Mannheim on January 5, 1777 in a lavish production with sets designed by Lorenzo Quaglio. The performance also included a ballet choreographed by Étienne Lauchery to music by Christian Cannabich. [Abert, Hermann (2007) p. 391] The cast included two of the most famous singers of the day, Anton Raaff as Günther von Schwarzburg and Francesca Lebrun ("née" Franziska Danzi) as Anna, a role which Holzbauer had composed specifically for her voice. [Höft, Brigitte (1992)] The opera was successfully revived in Mannheim in 1785. Modern revivals of the opera include the 1994 concert performance in Frankfurt conducted by Michael Schneider with Christoph Pregardien in the title role and the 1997 concert performance in Amsterdam conducted by Ton Koopman with John Aler in the title role.

Roles

ynopsis

Set in 1349, the opera is loosely based on the 1347 – 1349 succession crisis in Germany. The plot centers on the conflict between Karl, King of Bohemia and Count Günther von Schwarzburg to succeed Ludwig the Bavarian as Holy Roman Emperor. Günther is supported by the powerful Elector, Rudolf II. However, Asberta indulges in intrigue on behalf of her son Karl by manipulating Anna, Rudolf's daughter. In the end, both Günther and his antagonist Asberta die. Günther is poisoned by Asberta, and she commits suicide. [Goldbach, Karl Traugott (2004)] Karl secures his throne and marries Anna.

Recording

*Ignaz Holzbauer: "Günther von Schwarzburg" (Christoph Pregardien (tenor), Claron McFadden (soprano), Clarry Bartha (soprano), Michael Schopper (bass), Robert Worle (tenor), La Stagione Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Michael Schneider). Live performance, Frankfurt 1994. Capriccio CPO 999265.

Notes and references

NotesReferences
*Abert, Hermann (2007), "W. A. Mozart" (translated from the original German by Stewart Spencer), Yale University Press
* [http://www.amadeusonline.net/almanacco.php?Start=0&Giorno=5&Mese=01&Anno=1777&Giornata=&Testo=&Parola=Stringa Amadeus Almanac] (in Italian)
*Corneilson, Paul (1992), 'Günther von Schwarzburg' in "The New Grove Dictionary of Opera", ed. Stanley Sadie (London) ISBN 0-333-73432-7
*Goldbach, Karl Traugott (2004) [http://www.inter-disciplinary.net/mso/dd/dd3/s4.htm 'Dying Scenes in the German Opera of the late 18th Century'] abstract of a paper given at the 3rd Global Conference of "Making Sense of Dying and Death" (Vienna, December 2 - 4, 2004)
*Höft, Brigitte (1992), 'Lebrun' in "The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians", ed. Stanley Sadie (London)

External link

* [http://www.mannheim.de/io2/browse/webseiten/kultur/musik/mannheimer_schule/forschungsstelle_heidelberg/einblicke_de.xdoc Essay on "Günther von Schwarzburg"] (in German) with photographs of Ignaz Holzbauer's manuscript score.