Erich Korngold’s Die tote Stadt (“The Dead City”) is an incredibly tender work, embodying the twilight of the Romantic era. Korngold, a remarkable prodigy who later became one of Hollywood’s most important composers, began the opera when he was only 19 and completed it at age 23. It opened simultaneously in December 1920 in Cologne and Hamburg and became one of the biggest operatic successes of the era. The opera’s theme of struggling with the memory of a lost loved one undoubtedly resonated with audiences still traumatized by the recent catastrophe of World War I.

Andris Nelsons conducts Korngold Die tote Stadt

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Experience the evocative power of Erich Wolfgang Korngold's "Die tote Stadt," presented by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the Boston Lyric Opera. This opera, known as "The Dead City," is a poignant exploration of memory and loss, set against the backdrop of post-World War I trauma. Korngold, a prodigious talent who later became a significant figure in Hollywood's musical landscape, began composing this work at the tender age of 19, completing it by 23. The opera debuted simultaneously in Cologne and Hamburg in December 1920, quickly becoming one of the era's most celebrated operatic achievements.

"Die tote Stadt" features a stellar cast led by soprano Christine Goerke, who brings the character of Marietta to life with her powerful voice. She is joined by Elisa Sunshine as Juliette, Karen Cargill as Brigitte, and Brandon Jovanovich as Paul. The ensemble also includes BLO Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artist alumnus tenor Neal Ferreira and baritone Elliot Madore, both of whom have recently captivated audiences in BLO’s production of Matthew Aucoin’s "Eurydice." The Tanglewood Festival Chorus, under the direction of James Burton, adds a rich choral dimension to the performance.

Conducted by the esteemed Andris Nelsons, this production promises to deliver the lush, romantic soundscapes that Korngold is renowned for. Sung in German with English supertitles, the opera's narrative delves into the protagonist's struggle with the haunting memories of a lost loved one, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences in the aftermath of the Great War. This collaboration between the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Lyric Opera offers a rare opportunity to experience a masterful work that bridges the twilight of the Romantic era with the dawn of modern cinematic music.

Andrzej Filończyk

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2025

Andris Nelsons conducts Korngold Die tote Stadt · Boston Symphony Orchestr

Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2025

Die tote Stadt · Boston Lyric Opera

Future and recently performed repertoire

Frank in Die tote Stadt by Korngold

Boston Lyric Opera

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