Hans Krása: Brundibár children's opera travels widely
(June 1999)
The children’s opera Brundibár is the most celebrated work by Hans Krása, whose centenary of birth falls this year. Brimming with folk-inspired Czech melodies and rhythms, the 30-minute work is ideal for both professional and schools performance, and an English translation is available in the vocal score on sale. Notable among the 100 stagings of Brundibár in the past decade have been productions by Jeunesses musicales, the Stuttgart Opera, Mecklenburgh Opera in London (filmed for TV), the Paris Opéra, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and Washington Opera. Forthcoming performances include a production by Welsh National Opera at the Eisteddfod, and planned stagings at La Monnaie in Brussels, in Oslo, Barcelona and Prague.
Krása wrote Brundibár as the storm clouds of persecution were spreading across Europe in the late 1930s. Premiered in secret at an orphanage in Prague, the work is most famous for its many subsequent performances at the Terezín concentration camp, where the composer, children and teachers were housed, en route to their doom. A performance for the visiting committee of the International Red Cross was captured on celluloid as part of a Hitler propaganda film, called Theresienstadt - ein Dokumentarfilm aus dem jüdischen Siedlungsgebiet, intended to deflect attention from the Holocaust. The renewed popularity of Brundibár throughout the world acts as fitting recognition of the human tragedy of Terezín, and a testament to the creative spirit that battles so strongly against terrible adversity.
"A bright, lively, joyful event, a celebration of youthful energy and enterprise triumphing over poverty, illness and human viciousness… a unique and curiously poignant little work of art." Washington Post
Brundibár synopsis
Aninka and Pepicek go to the market to get some milk for their sick mother. As they don’t have any money, they decide to follow the example of the organ grinder Brundibár – people throw coins in his hat when he makes music. Aninka and Pepicek sing their favourite song but nobody listens to them. When they try and draw attention to themselves, they are chased away from the market for being a nuisance. It is almost dusk. The two children don’t know what to do. How can they sing louder than the bad old organ grinder with their small voices? Lots of children must sing – that might work. At this cue, a dog, a cat and a sparrow are on the spot and promise to help. The next morning, the animals round up all the children in town to make a large choir. The plan succeeds: their singing of a charming lullaby is louder than the barrel organ, the people listen, and soon Pepicek’s cap is full of coins. Suddenly, Brundibár appears, grabs the cap from Pepicek, and tries to run away with the money. However, he is only one against many and he doesn’t stand a chance. The children celebrate their victory and the choir sings of friendship and support for each other.
For further information on Brundibár, also visit www.brundibar.net.
> Further information on Work: Brundibár
Photo: © Stuttgart Opera
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