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Music Text

Libretto by Friedrich Dürrenmatt; English version by Norman Tucker (G,E,F,I)

Scoring

Major roles: M,heldT,Bar;
minor roles: 2S,lyrS,M,8T,3Bar,3BBar,2B,speaker,mime; chorus;
2.picc.2.2.2-4.3.3.1-timp.perc:tamb/cyms/SD/TD/BD/tam-t/gong/tgl-gtr-strings;
On-stage: 2bells,station bell,firebell

Abbreviations (PDF)

Opera
For full details on this stagework, including synopsis and roles, please visit our Opera section.
Publisher

Boosey & Hawkes

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

Availability
Digital Score
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World Premiere
5/23/1971
Staatsoper, Wien
Otto Schenk, director / Wiener Staatsoper / Horst Stein
Press Quotes

"Dürrenmatt’s parable about universal corruption has assured the opera its timeless validity... The score functions as a sonic red carpet for outstanding singers, producing powerful music theatre.”
Die Presse

“…a furious, unsettling parable about money and greed.”
Der Kurier

Subjects
Recommended Recording
cd_cover

Christa Ludwig (Claire Zachanassian), Eberhard Waechter (Alfred III), Heinz Zednik (Butler), Emmy Loose (Alfreds Frau), Hans Beirer (Bürgermeister), Hans Hotter (Lehrer) / Chor & Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper / Horst Stein (WP Vienna 1971, re-release 2018)
Orfeo C 930 182 1

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