A Note on Opera: Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hänsel und Gretel“

Join the Goethe-Zentrum for our latest lecture in their “A Note on Opera” series as they look at Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hänsel und Gretel.“

What Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker“ is to ballet, Humperdinck’s “Hänsel und Gretel” is to opera. Since its Weimar premiere on December 23, 1893, this opera has always been linked to the Christmas season. Musically it owes a great debt to Wagner, but without the “heaviness” that often characterizes Wagner’s scores. Humperdinck’s sumptuous creation seems to be suffused rather with light and air. “Hänsel und Gretel” is a “Märchenoper” [fairy tale opera] and returns, even if only briefly, German opera to its early days of “The Magic Flute,” “Der Freischütz,” and “The Flying Dutchman.” And like Gershwin did with “Porgy and Bess” in the 1930s, Humperdinck composed in “Hänsel” music that fools us into believing its folk music, though it actually is not.

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

Please use the link below to register in advance for this course session and receive a discounted rate.