Photo: Oldrich Pernica
Prague State Opera, 1994, Director: Karel Drgac
Einem, Gottfried von
Der Prozeß (1950-52)
Opera in nine scenes (two parts)
Libretto by Boris Blacher and Heinz von Cramer after the novel by Franz Kafka (G)
Scoring
S,M,4T,2Bar,small roles;
3(II,III=picc).2.2.2-4.3.3.1-timp.perc(2)-pft-strings.
Abbreviations (PDF).
Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.
World Premiere
8/17/1953
Salzburg
Oscar Fritz Schuh, director
Conductor: Karl Böhm
Company: Salzburger Festspiele
Roles
| JOSEF K. | Tenor |
| FRANZ | Bass |
| WILLEM | Baritone |
| THE GUARD | Baritone |
| MRS. GRUBACH | Soprano |
| FRÄULEIN BÜRSTNER | Soprano |
| A PASSER-BY | Baritone |
| A YOUTH | Tenor |
| THE EXAMINING MAGISTRATE | Baritone |
| THE WIFE OF THE COURT USHER | Soprano |
| THE COURT USHER | Bass |
| THE STUDENT | Tenor |
| THE BRAWLER | Bass |
| ALBERT K. | Bass |
| LENI | Soprano |
| THE INDUSTRIALIST | Baritone |
| THREE GENTLEMEN | 2 Tenors, Baritone |
| THE DEPUTY-DIRECTOR | Tenor |
| an others | |
| Some of the roles are dual roles; the soprano parts can be sung by one soprano |
Time and Place
1919
Synopsis The Trial recounts the story of the hero of Kafka's novel, Josef K., who is arrested one morning for reasons unknown. Until his trial, he is still allowed to go to work at first but he feels constantly followed and under surveillance. He is afraid and turns to others for help, for example, his neighbour in the next room, Fräulein Bürstner. Even when it emerges during the proceedings that there has been a mix-up, the trial is merely adjourned and a resumption of proceedings announced. Further visits to influential persons, who might allegedly be able to help him, are all failures. He meets a priest in the cathedral, who tells him that things don't look good for him. He has tried too often to obtain help from others, particularly from women. As the priest fades into the darkness, two hangmen appear, who lead Josef K. away to his execution.
Moods
Dramatic, Tragic
Subjects
Relationships, Society, Literary
Recommended Recording
Max Lorenz/Peter Klein/Vienna State Opera Chorus/Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Karl Böhm
Orfeo d'or C393952I
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Items on Sale
| Prozess | Libretto | > Details |
| Prozess Op. 14,Neun Bilder nach Franz Kafka,KA. | (Vocal Score) | > Details |
| Prozess, Op. 14 | Pocket or Study Score | > Details |
