Yun, Isang

Der Traum des Liu-Tung (1965)

Duration: 55 minutes
Opera with a prelude, four dream images and a postlude. Can be presented in a double bill with 'Die Witwe des Schmetterlings' (Butterfly Widow) under the title 'Träume' (Dreams).

Libretto by Winfried Bauernfeind based on the ancient Chinese didactic drama by Ma Chi-Yuan (14th century) in the translation by Hans Rudelsberger (G)

Scoring
S,M,T,2Bar,B; optional chorus behind stage, also taped; 2(II=picc,afl).2(II=corA).1(=bcl).1(=dbn)-2.1.1.1-timp.perc(4)-harp-strings.
Abbreviations (PDF).

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

World Premiere
9/25/1965
Deutsche Oper, Berlin
Conductor: Ulrich Weder
Company: Ensemble der Deutschen Oper

Roles

TUNG-HUA, an immortal	Bass
CHING-YANG, a hermit	Baritone
MRS. WANG, Innkeeper	Mezzo soprano
PIEN-FU, a merchant	Tenor
YÜ-CHAN, his wife	Soprano
LIU-TUNG, a young student	High Baritone
Dream images: I. TSUI-WO, Liu-Tung's wife, daughter of the Kao (Yü-Chan) - LIU-TUNG - KAO, the emperor's chamberlain (Ching-Yang)
II. TSUI-WO - KUEI, court official (Pien-Fu) - LIU-TUNG - YÜAN, Kao's old servant (Ching-Yang)
III. THE EMPEROR'S CHIEF JUSTICE (Ching-Yang) - LIU-TUNG - TSUI-WO - HANGMAN (Pien-Fu) - YÜAN
IV. LIU-TUNG - LU, a woodcutter (Ching-Yang) - MRS. PO, Wu-Sung's mother (Mrs. Wang) - WU-SUNG, a bandit (Ching-Yang)

Time and Place
China in the Middle Ages. Decor and costumes can be timeless in style.

Synopsis

The hermit, Ching-Yang, is commissioned by the heavenly ones to convert the student, Liu-Tung, who aspires to a distinguished career at the Emperor's court, to the wise teachings of the Tao and thus to the life of an ascetic. First, Ching-Yang puts Liu-Tung into a deep hypnotised sleep in which he demonstrates to him the vain nature of his strivings in four dream images: as the Emperor´s favourite, Liu-Tung is promoted to captain and goes to war. When he returns, he surprises his wife in flagrante with a rival. But he has also brought blame upon himself for, during the war, he took bribes from the enemy and is a traitor. He is caught and sentenced to death. He manages to escape the executioner but, in the end, he is killed while fleeing. – When he awakens from his anxious sleep, Liu-Tung comprehends the meaning of the dreams and renounces all striving for love, power, and riches.

Moods
Dramatic, Poetic

Subjects
Mythology, Relationships, Religion