A Note on Opera: Beethoven’s “Fidelio”

Join Goethe for their latest lecture in their “A Note on Opera” series as they look at Beethoven’s “Fidelio.”
Composing drama for the stage caused Beethoven an enormous amount of difficulty. Because of that, he said of “Fidelio” that it was his most valued “child.” Its dramatic deficiencies notwithstanding, “Fidelio” retains a secure place in the opera canon.

Its tale of resistance against oppression has inspired generations, none more so than those living under National Socialist rule throughout occupied Europe. It also exemplifies a characteristic aspect of German opera, namely the redemptive nature of romantic, in this case married, love.

Course to be taught in English by David Kerr. No pre-existing knowledge of music required.