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{{Short description|Engelbert Humperdinck opera}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Infobox opera
'''''Hansel and Gretel''''' (German: '''''{{Lang|de|Hänsel und Gretel}}''''') is an [[opera]] by nineteenth-century composer [[Engelbert Humperdinck]], who described it as a ''{{Lang|de|Märchenoper}}'' (fairy tale opera). The [[libretto]] was written by Humperdinck's sister, Adelheid Wette, based on the [[Brothers Grimm|Grimm brothers']] fairy tale "[[Hansel and Gretel]]". It is much admired for its [[folk music]]-inspired themes, one of the most famous being the "{{Lang|de|Abendsegen}}" ("Evening Benediction") from act 2.
| name = {{Lang|de|Hänsel und Gretel}}
| composer = [[Engelbert Humperdinck (composer)|Engelbert Humperdinck]]
| image = Haensel und Gretel 1822-Michelides.jpg
| image_upright = 1.4
| caption = Scene at the [[Vienna State Opera]], 2015
| type = ''[[fairy-tale opera|Märchenoper]]''
| librettist = Adelheid Wette
| language = German
| premiere_date = {{Start date|1893|12|23|df=y}}
| premiere_location = [[Deutsches Nationaltheater and Staatskapelle Weimar|Hoftheater in Weimar]]
}}
'''''Hansel and Gretel''''' (German: '''''{{Lang|de|Hänsel und Gretel}}''''') is an [[opera]] by nineteenth-century composer [[Engelbert Humperdinck (composer)|Engelbert Humperdinck]], who described it as a ''{{Lang|de|Märchenoper}}'' (fairy-tale opera). The [[libretto]] was written by Humperdinck's sister, [[Adelheid Wette]], based on the [[Brothers Grimm|Grimm brothers]]' [[Hansel and Gretel|fairy tale of the same name]]. It is much admired for its [[folk music]]-inspired themes, one of the most famous being the "{{Lang|de|Abendsegen|italic=no}}" ("Evening Benediction") from act 2.


The idea for the opera was proposed to Humperdinck by his sister, who approached him about writing music for songs that she had written for her children for Christmas based on "Hansel and Gretel". After several revisions, the musical sketches and the songs were turned into a full-scale opera.
The idea for the opera was proposed to Humperdinck by his sister, who approached him about writing music for songs that she had written for her children for Christmas based on "Hansel and Gretel". After several revisions, the musical sketches and the songs were turned into a full-scale opera.


Humperdinck composed ''Hansel and Gretel'' in Frankfurt in 1891 and 1892.<ref>Plaque: Scheffelstraße 1, Frankfurt am Main: "In this house in the years 1891 and 1892 Engelbert Humperdinck composed the opera ''Hänsel und Gretel''"</ref> The opera was first performed in [[Weimar]] on 23 December [[1893 in music#Opera|1893]], conducted by [[Richard Strauss]]. It has been associated with [[Christmas]] since its earliest performances and today it is still most often performed at Christmas time.
Humperdinck composed ''Hansel and Gretel'' in Frankfurt in 1891 and 1892.<ref>Plaque: Scheffelstraße 1, Frankfurt am Main: "In this house in the years 1891 and 1892 Engelbert Humperdinck composed the opera ''Hänsel und Gretel''"</ref> The opera was first performed in the [[Hoftheater in Weimar]] on 23 December [[1893 in music#Opera|1893]], conducted by [[Richard Strauss]]. It has been associated with [[Christmas]] since its earliest performances and today it is still most often performed at Christmas time.


==Performance history==
==Performance history==
''Hansel and Gretel'' was first conducted in Weimar by [[Richard Strauss]] in 1893,<ref>Peter Franklin ''The Life of Mahler'', p.&nbsp;83. Cambridge University Press, 1997</ref> followed by its Hamburg premiere on 25 September 1894, conducted by [[Gustav Mahler]].<ref>[http://www.gustav-mahler.es/biografia.chronology1891-1900.htm Gustav-mahler.es]</ref>
''Hansel and Gretel'' was first conducted in Weimar by [[Richard Strauss]] in 1893,<ref>Peter Franklin ''The Life of Mahler'', p.&nbsp;83. Cambridge University Press, 1997</ref> followed by its Hamburg premiere on 25 September 1894, conducted by [[Gustav Mahler]].<ref>[http://www.gustav-mahler.es/biografia.chronology1891-1900.htm Gustav-mahler.es] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224062920/http://www.gustav-mahler.es/biografia.chronology1891-1900.htm |date=2009-12-24 }}</ref>


Its first performance outside Germany was in Basel, Switzerland, on 16 November 1894.<ref name=grove>''[[Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians]]'', 5th ed. 1954</ref>
Its first performance outside Germany was in [[Basel]], Switzerland, on 16 November 1894.<ref name=grove>''[[Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians]]'', 5th ed. 1954</ref>


The first performance in England was in London on 26 December 1894, at Daly's Theatre<ref name=grove /><ref name=putnam /> and its first United States performance was on 8 October 1895 in New York.<ref name=putnam>{{cite book
The first performance in England was in London on 26 December 1894, at [[Daly's Theatre]]<ref name=grove /><ref name=putnam /> and its first United States performance was on 8 October 1895 in New York.<ref name=putnam>{{cite book
| last = Upton
| last = Upton
| first = George Putnam
| first = George Putnam
| title = The Standard Operas
| title = The Standard Operas
| year = 1897
| year = 1897
| url = http://books.google.com/books?jtp=125&id=uabcxCxcQf8C
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=uabcxCxcQf8C
| format = Google book
| format = Google book
| accessdate = 15 October 2007
| access-date = 15 October 2007
| edition = 12th edition
| edition = 12th
| publisher = McClurg
| publisher = McClurg
| location = Chicago
| location = Chicago
Line 25: Line 37:
| pages = 125–129}}</ref>
| pages = 125–129}}</ref>


The first performance in Australia was on 6 April 1907, at the Princess's Theatre, Melbourne.<ref>Eric Irvin, ''Dictionary of the Australian Theatre 1788–1914''</ref>
The first performance in Australia was on 6 April 1907, at the [[Princess Theatre (Melbourne)|Princess Theatre]], Melbourne.<ref>Eric Irvin, ''Dictionary of the Australian Theatre 1788–1914''</ref>


In English-speaking countries ''Hansel and Gretel'' is most often performed in English. The longtime standard English translation was by [[Constance Bache]]. In the United States the opera is frequently performed in a translation by [[Norman Kelley]] written for the [[Metropolitan Opera]]'s colorful and very popular 1967 production by [[Nathaniel Merrill]] and [[Robert O'Hearn]].<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DEFD81431F932A2575AC0A9609C8B63 "Norman Kelley, 95, Tenor At City Opera and Elsewhere"] by Anne Midgette, ''[[The New York Times]]'', September 11, 2006</ref> Since 2007, the Met has performed the work in a darkly comic new production with English translation by [[David Pountney]] that was originally created for the [[English National Opera]].
In English-speaking countries ''Hansel and Gretel'' is most often performed in English. The longtime standard English translation was by [[Constance Bache]]. In the United States the opera was often performed in a translation by [[Norman Kelley]] written for the [[Metropolitan Opera]]'s 1967 production by [[Nathaniel Merrill]] and [[Robert O'Hearn]].<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DEFD81431F932A2575AC0A9609C8B63 "Norman Kelley, 95, Tenor at City Opera and Elsewhere"] by [[Anne Midgette]], ''[[The New York Times]]'', September 11, 2006</ref> In 1987 a darkly comic new production with English translation by [[David Pountney]] was created for the [[English National Opera]] in London. Since 2007, the Met has performed the work in a production originally created for the [[Welsh National Opera]] using Pountney's translation.<ref>[http://www.metoperafamily.org/uploadedFiles/MetOpera/season_and_tickets/Playbill/Hansel_and_Gretel/Dec%2030%20Hansel%20and%20Gretel.pdf Metropolitan Opera programme], 200-12 Season{{clarify|date=August 2019|reason=Which season?}}{{dead link|date=August 2019}}</ref>


==Roles==
==Roles==
[[File:Richard.Strauss.1894.jpg|thumb|upright|Strauss in 1894]]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+{{sronly|Roles, voice types, premiere cast}}
!Role
!Role
![[Voice type]]
![[Voice type]]
Line 39: Line 53:
|Gertrud,<ref group=N name=fn /> ''his wife''||[[mezzo-soprano]]||Luise Tibelti
|Gertrud,<ref group=N name=fn /> ''his wife''||[[mezzo-soprano]]||Luise Tibelti
|-
|-
|Hansel||mezzo-soprano||Ida Schubert
|Hansel, ''their son''||[[mezzo-soprano]]||Ida Schubert
|-
|-
|Gretel||[[soprano]]||Marie Kayser
|Gretel, ''their daughter''||[[soprano]]||Marie Kayser
|-
|-
|The Gingerbread Witch||mezzo-soprano{{Refn|The role of the Witch is sometimes sung by a tenor,<ref>{{cite web
|The Gingerbread Witch||[[mezzo-soprano]]{{Refn|The role of the Witch is sometimes sung by a tenor,<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.historicopera.com/p-singerqr_page1.html
|url = http://www.historicopera.com/p-singerqr_page1.html
|title = Opera Singers QR (see: Albert Reiss)
|title = Opera Singers QR (see: Albert Reiss)
|accessdate = 6 October 2010
|access-date = 6 October 2010
|publisher = Historic Opera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|publisher = Historic Opera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/season/production.aspx?id=9470
|url = http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/season/production.aspx?id=9470
|title = Hansel and Gretel
|title = ''Hansel and Gretel''
|accessdate = 15 January 2008
|access-date = 15 January 2008
|publisher = The [[Metropolitan Opera]]}}</ref> or the roles of Mother/Witch by the same singer.<ref>{{cite web
|publisher = [[Metropolitan Opera]]}}</ref> or the roles of Mother/Witch by the same singer.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.operapronto.info/artists.html#Leslie_Remmert_Soich
|url = http://www.operapronto.info/artists.html#Leslie_Remmert_Soich
|title = Resident Colorado Artists (see: Leslie Remmert Soich)
|title = Resident Colorado Artists (see: Leslie Remmert Soich)
|accessdate = 15 October 2007
|access-date = 15 October 2007
|publisher = Opera Pronto, Colorado Opera Network}}</ref>|group=N}}||Hermine Finck
|publisher = Opera Pronto, Colorado Opera Network}}</ref>|group=N}}||[[Hermine Finck]]
|-
|-
|Sandman, the Sleep [[Fairy]]||soprano||Frl. Hartwig
|[[Sandman]], the Sleep [[Fairy]]||[[soprano]]||Frl. Hartwig
|-
|-
|Dewman, the Dew Fairy||soprano||Frl. Hartwig
|Dewman, the Dew Fairy||[[soprano]]||Frl. Hartwig
|-
|-
|Chorus of echoes||three sopranos, two [[alto]]s||
|Chorus of echoes||three [[soprano]]s, two [[alto]]s||
|-
|-
|colspan="2"|Children's chorus||
|colspan="2"|Children's chorus||
Line 70: Line 84:


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
[[File:Una piccola camera, bozzetto di Mario Sala per Hansel e Gretel (1902) - Archivio Storico Ricordi ICON002568.jpg|thumb|Set design by Mario Sala in 1902]]

===Act 1===
===Act 1===
''Scene 1: At home''
''Scene 1: At home''


Gretel stitches a stocking, and Hansel is making a broom. Gretel sings to herself as she works. Hänsel mocks her, singing to the same tune a song about how hungry he is. He wishes for mother to come home. Gretel tells him to be quiet and reminds him of what father always says: "When the need is greatest, God the Lord puts out His hand." Hansel complains that one can't eat words, and Gretel cheers him up by telling him a secret: A neighbor has given mother a jug of milk, and tonight she'll make a rice pudding for them to eat! Hansel, excited, tastes the cream on the top of the milk. Gretel scolds him and tells him he should get back to work. Hansel says that he doesn't want to work, he'd rather dance! Gretel agrees, and they begin to dance around.
Gretel stitches a stocking, and Hansel is making a broom. Gretel sings to herself as she works. Hansel mocks her, singing to the same tune a song about how hungry he is. He wishes for mother to come home. Gretel tells him to be quiet and reminds him of what father always says: "When the need is greatest, [[God]] the Lord puts out His hand." Hansel complains that one cannot eat words, and Gretel cheers him up by telling him a secret: A neighbor has given mother a jug of milk, and tonight she will make a [[rice]] [[blancmange]] for them to eat. Hansel, excited, tastes the cream on the top of the milk. Gretel scolds him and tells him he should get back to work. Hansel says that he does not want to work, he would rather dance. Gretel agrees, and they begin to dance around.


''Scene 2''
''Scene 2''


Mother enters, and she is furious when she finds that Hansel and Gretel have not been working. As she threatens to beat them with a stick, she knocks over the jug of milk. Mother sends Hansel and Gretel to the haunted [[Ilsestein|Ilsenstein]] forest to look for strawberries. Alone, she expresses her sorrow that she is unable to feed her children, and asks God for help.
Mother enters, and she is furious when she finds that Hansel and Gretel have not been working. As she threatens to beat them with a stick, she knocks over the jug of milk. Mother sends Hansel and Gretel to the haunted [[Ilsestein|Ilsenstein]] [[forest]] to look for [[Strawberry|strawberries]]. Alone, she expresses her sorrow that she is unable to feed her children, and [[Prayer|asks God for help]].


''Scene 3''
''Scene 3''


From far off, father sings about how hungry he is. He bursts into the house, roaring drunk, and kisses mother roughly. She pushes him away and scolds him for being drunk. He surprises her by taking from his pack a feast: Bacon, butter, flour, sausages, fourteen eggs, beans, onions, and a quarter pound of coffee! He explains to her that beyond the forest, it is almost time for a festival, and everyone is cleaning in preparation. He went from house to house and sold his brooms at the highest prices. As father and mother celebrate, he suddenly stops and asks where the children are. Mother changes the subject to the broken jug, and after she finishes telling him the story, he laughs, then asks again after the children. She tells him that they are in the Ilsenstein forest. Suddenly scared, father tells her that the forest is where the evil Gingerbread Witch (literally, "Nibbling Witch") dwells. She lures children with cakes and sweets, pushes them into her oven, where they turn to gingerbread, and then eats them. Father and mother rush to the forest to search for their children.
From far off, father sings about how hungry he is. He bursts into the house, roaring drunk, and kisses mother roughly. She pushes him away and scolds him for being drunk. He surprises her by taking from his pack a feast: [[Bacon]], [[butter]], [[flour]], [[Sausage|sausages]], fourteen [[Eggs as food|eggs]], [[Bean|beans]], [[Onion|onions]], and a quarter pound of [[Coffee bean|coffee]]. He explains to her that beyond the forest, it is almost time for a festival, and everyone is cleaning in preparation. He went from house to house and sold his brooms at the highest prices. As father and mother celebrate, he suddenly stops and asks where the children are. Mother changes the subject to the broken jug, and after she finishes telling him the story, he laughs, then asks again after the children. She tells him that they are in the Ilsenstein forest. Suddenly scared, father tells her that the forest is where the evil Gingerbread Witch (literally, "Nibbling Witch") dwells. She lures children with [[Cake|cakes]] and [[Candy|sweets]], pushes them into her [[oven]], where they turn to [[gingerbread]], and then eats them. Father and mother rush to the forest to search for their children.


===Act 2===
===Act 2===
Here there is a prelude which begins the act, called the "Witch-ride". Sometimes, the two acts are linked to each other, and the prelude is treated as an interlude.
An instrumental interlude connects act 1 to act 2, so that they can be performed together with no intermission.


''Scene 1: In the forest. Sunset.''
''Scene 1: In the forest. Sunset.''


Gretel weaves a crown of flowers as she sings to herself. Hansel searches for strawberries. As Gretel finishes her crown, Hansel fills his basket. Gretel tries to put the crown on Hansel, but, saying that boys don't play with things like these, he puts it on her head instead. He tells her that she looks like the Queen of the Wood, and she says that if that's so, then he should give her a bouquet, too. He offers her the strawberries. They hear a cuckoo calling, and they begin to eat the strawberries. As the basket empties, they fight for the remaining strawberries, and finally, Hansel grabs the basket and dumps the leftovers in his mouth. Gretel scolds him and tells him that mother will be upset. She tries to look for more, but it's too dark for her to see. Hansel tries to find the way back, but he cannot. As the forest darkens, Hansel and Gretel become scared, and think they see something coming closer. Hansel calls out, "Who's there?" and a chorus of echoes calls back, "He's there!" Gretel calls, "Is someone there?" and the echoes reply, "There!" Hansel tries to comfort Gretel, but as a little man walks out of the forest, she screams.
Gretel weaves a crown of flowers as she sings to herself. Hansel searches for strawberries. As Gretel finishes her crown, Hansel fills his basket. Gretel tries to put the crown on Hansel, but, saying that boys do not play with things like these, he puts it on her head instead. He tells her that she looks like the Queen of the Wood, and she says that if that's so, then he should give her a bouquet, too. He offers her the strawberries. They hear a cuckoo calling, and they begin to eat the strawberries. As the basket empties, they fight for the remaining strawberries, and finally, Hansel grabs the basket and dumps the leftovers in his mouth. Gretel scolds him and tells him that mother will be upset. She tries to look for more, but it is too dark for her to see. Hansel tries to find the way back, but he cannot. As the forest darkens, Hansel and Gretel become scared, and think they see something coming closer. Hansel calls out, "Who's there?" and a chorus of echoes calls back, "He's there!" Gretel calls, "Is someone there?" and the echoes reply, "There!" Hansel tries to comfort Gretel, but as a little man walks out of the forest, she screams in terror.
{{Listen||filename=Evening prayer.ogg|title=Evening Prayer ("Abendsegen")<br />from act 2, scene 2|description=[[String quartet]] arrangement<br />(1:40 minutes, 1.5 [[Megabyte|MB]])}}
''Scene 2''


''Scene 2''
The little Sandman, who has just walked out of the forest, tells the children that he loves them dearly, and that he has come to put them to sleep. He puts grains of sand into their eyes, and as he leaves they can barely keep their eyes open. Gretel reminds Hansel to say their evening prayer, and after they pray, they fall asleep on the forest floor.


The little man turns out to be the [[Sandman]]. He calms the frightened children down by telling them that he loves them dearly, and that he has come to put them to sleep. He puts grains of sand into their eyes, and as he leaves they can barely keep their eyes open. Gretel reminds Hansel to say their evening prayer, and after they pray, they fall asleep on the forest floor.
[[File:Haensel und Gretel 2658-Michelides.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Hänsel, Gretel, angels]]
''Scene 3''
''Scene 3''


''Traumpantomime''. Fourteen angels come out and arrange themselves around the children to protect them as they sleep. They are presented with a gift. The forest is filled with an intense light as the curtain falls.
''Traumpantomime'' [dream pantomime]. Fourteen [[Angel|angels]] come out and arrange themselves around the children to protect them as they sleep. They are presented with a gift. The forest is filled with light as the curtain falls.


===Act 3===
===Act 3===
''Scene 1: In the forest.''
''Scene 1: In the forest.''


The little Dew Fairy comes to wake the children. She sprinkles dew on them, sings of how wonderful it is to be alive in the morning with the beauty of the forest surrounding her, and leaves as the children stir. Gretel wakes first, and wakes the sleepy Hansel. They tell each other of their mutual dream, of angels protecting them as they slept.
The [[Dew]] [[Fairy]] comes to wake the children. She sprinkles dew on them, sings of how wonderful it is to be alive in the morning with the beauty of the forest surrounding her, and leaves as the children stir. Gretel wakes first, and wakes the sleepy Hansel. They tell each other of their mutual dream, of angels protecting them as they slept.


''Scene 2''
''Scene 2''


Suddenly they notice behind them a glorious gingerbread house! The roof is slated with cakes, the windows are of licorice, and the walls are decorated with cookies. On the left side is an oven, on the right side is a cage, and around it is a fence of gingerbread children. Unable to resist temptation, they take a little bit of the house and nibble on it.
Suddenly they notice behind them a glorious [[gingerbread house]]. The roof is slated with cakes, the windows are of [[licorice]], and the walls are decorated with [[Cookie|cookies]]. On the left side is an oven, on the right side is a cage, and around it is a fence of [[Gingerbread man|gingerbread children]]. Unable to resist temptation, they take a little bit of the house and nibble on it.


''Scene 3''
''Scene 3''


As the children nibble, a voice calls out, "Nibbling, nibbling, little mouse! Who's nibbling on my little house?" Hansel and Gretel decide that the voice must have been the wind, and they begin to eat the house. As Hansel breaks off another piece of the house, the voice again calls out, "Nibbling, nibbling, little mouse! Who's nibbling on my little house?" Hansel and Gretel ignore the voice, and continue eating. The witch comes out of the house and catches Hansel with a rope. As Hansel tries to escape, the witch explains that she is Rosine Leckermaul (literally, "Rosina Tastymuzzle"), and that she likes nothing better than to feed children sweets. Hansel and Gretel are suspicious of the witch, so Hansel frees himself from the rope and he and Gretel begin to run away.
As the children nibble, a voice calls out, "Nibbling, nibbling, little mouse! Who's nibbling on my little house?" Hansel and Gretel decide that the voice must have been the wind, and they begin to eat the house. As Hansel breaks off another piece of the house, the voice again calls out, "Nibbling, nibbling, little mouse! Who's nibbling on my little house?" Hansel and Gretel ignore the voice, and continue eating. The [[Witchcraft|witch]] comes out of the house and catches Hansel with a rope, As Hansel tries to escape, the witch explains that she is Rosine Leckermaul (literally, "Rosina Tastymuzzle"),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwopera/article/The-Bronx-Opera-Presents-HANSEL-GRETEL-20120409|title=The Bronx Opera Presents ''Hansel & Gretel''|author=BWW News Desk}}, [[Bronx Opera]] production</ref> that she likes nothing better than to feed children sweets. She tries to convince Hansel & Gretel to come into her house by offering them [[Chocolate|Chocolates]], [[Tart|Tarts]], Marzipans, [[Turkish Delight]], [[Lollipops]], Wedding Cakes, Strawberry [[Italian Ice|Italian Ices]], Blancmange, [[Almond|Almonds]], Raisins, [[Peach|Peaches]] & [[Citron|Citrons]] but Hansel and Gretel are suspicious of the witch, so Hansel frees himself from the rope and he and Gretel begin to run away.


The witch takes out her wand and calls out, "Stop!" Hansel and Gretel are frozen to the spot where they stand. Using the wand, the witch leads Hansel to the cage. The witch leaves him stiff and slow of movement. She tells Gretel to be reasonable, and then the witch goes inside to fetch raisins and almonds with which to fatten Hansel. Hansel whispers to Gretel to pretend to obey the witch. The witch returns, and waving her wand, says, "Hocus pocus, holderbush! Loosen, rigid muscles, hush!" Using the wand, the witch forces Gretel to dance, then tells her to go into the house and set the table. Hansel pretends to be asleep, and the witch, overcome with excitement, describes how she plans to cook and eat Gretel.
The witch takes out her [[wand]] and calls out, "Stop!" Hansel and Gretel are frozen to the spot where they stand. Using the wand, the witch leads Hansel to the cage. The witch leaves him stiff and slow of movement. She tells Gretel to be reasonable, and then the witch goes inside to fetch raisins and almonds with which to fatten Hansel. Hansel whispers to Gretel to pretend to obey the witch. The witch returns, and waving her wand, says, "Hocus pocus, holderbush! Loosen, rigid muscles, hush!" Using the wand, the witch forces Gretel to dance, then tells her to go into the house and set the table. Hansel pretends to be asleep, and the witch, overcome with excitement, describes how she plans to cook and eat Gretel.


The witch wakes up Hansel and has him show her his finger. He puts out a bone instead, and she feels it instead. Disappointed that he is so thin, the witch calls for Gretel to bring out raisins and almonds. As the witch tries to feed Hansel, Gretel steals the wand from the witch's pocket. Waving it towards Hansel, Gretel whispers, "Hocus pocus, holderbush! Loosen rigid muscles, hush!" As the witch turns around and wonders at the noise, Hansel discovers that he can move freely again.
The witch wakes up Hansel and has him show her his finger. He puts out a [[bone]] instead, and she feels it instead. Disappointed that he is so thin, the witch calls for Gretel to bring out raisins and almonds. As the witch tries to feed Hansel, Gretel steals the wand from the witch's pocket. Waving it towards Hansel, Gretel whispers, "Hocus pocus, holderbush! Loosen rigid muscles, hush!" As the witch turns around and wonders at the noise, Hansel discovers that he can move freely again.


The witch tells Gretel to peek inside the oven to see if the gingerbread is done. Hansel softly calls out to her to be careful. Gretel pretends that she doesn't know what the witch means. The witch tells her to lift herself a little bit and bend her head forward. Gretel says that she's "a goose" and doesn't understand, then asks the witch to demonstrate. The witch, frustrated, opens the oven and leans forward. Hansel springs out of the cage, and he and Gretel shove the witch into the oven. They dance. The oven begins to crackle and the flames burn fiercely, and with a loud crash it explodes.
The witch tells Gretel to peek inside the oven to see if the [[gingerbread]] is done. Hansel softly calls out to her to be careful. Gretel pretends that she does not know what the witch means. The witch tells her to lift herself a little bit and bend her head forward. Gretel says that she is "a goose" and doesn't understand, then asks the witch to demonstrate. The witch, frustrated, opens the oven and leans forward. Hansel springs out of the cage, and he and Gretel shove the witch into the oven. They dance. The oven begins to crackle and the flames burn fiercely, and with a loud crash it explodes.


''Scene 4''
''Scene 4''
Line 126: Line 142:


==Recordings==
==Recordings==
{{refimprove section|date=December 2011}}
{{more citations needed section|date=December 2011}}


===Audio===
===Audio===
*1929: The Manchester (England) Children's Choir with the renowned [[The Hallé|Hallé Orchestra]] recorded the "Evening Benediction" from ''Hansel and Gretel'' for Columbia Records on 24 June. It was the B-side to "Nymphs and Shepherds" by [[Henry Purcell]] which was a very successful record on radio in the UK for over 30 years and was awarded a Gold Disc by EMI in 1989.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1405472_remembering_manchester_childrens_choir |author=Lydia Warren |title=Remembering Manchester Children's Choir|newspaper=[[Manchester Evening News]]|date=17 January 2011|accessdate=19 July 2011}}</ref>
*1929: The Manchester (England) Children's Choir with the [[The Hallé|Hallé Orchestra]] recorded the "Evening Benediction" from ''Hansel and Gretel'' for Columbia Records on 24 June. It was the B-side to "[[Nymphs and Shepherds]]" by [[Henry Purcell]] which was a very successful record on radio in the UK for over 30 years and was awarded a Gold Disc by EMI in 1989.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1405472_remembering_manchester_childrens_choir|author=Lydia Warren|title=Remembering Manchester Children's Choir|newspaper=[[Manchester Evening News]]|date=17 January 2011|access-date=19 July 2011|archive-date=28 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928043940/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1405472_remembering_manchester_childrens_choir|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*1947: First complete recording in English by the [[Metropolitan Opera]], starring [[Risë Stevens]] and [[Nadine Conner]] in the title roles. The album was first issued as a 78-RPM multi-record set by [[Columbia Masterworks Records]] and issued on LP a year later. It has never appeared on CD.
*1944: During World War II, in April 1944, as the Luftwaffe had lost the air war against the Allies, [[Responsibility for the Holocaust|as German knowledge of the Holocaust was spreading]], and about a year before the Red Army took Berlin, the [[Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra (East Berlin)|Berliner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester]], directed by [[Artur Rother]], and the Mozartchor, Damenchor des Deutschen Opernhauses, staged and recorded a performance of the opera. The theme of the opera – saving children from being shoved into an oven by a wicked witch – had certain parallels with then current events in Germany. Even if it is speculation that this was staged as a protest, it provides a certain poignancy to this particular and excellent performance.
*1953: A recording featuring [[Elisabeth Schwarzkopf]] and [[Elisabeth Grümmer]], sung in German with [[Herbert von Karajan]] conducting, was issued by [[EMI]]. It is currently available on CD.
*1947: First complete recording in English by the [[Metropolitan Opera]], on an album starring [[Risë Stevens]] and [[Nadine Conner]] in the title roles. The album was first issued as a 78-RPM multi-record set by [[Columbia Masterworks Records]]. After the advent of [[LP record|LPs]], it was transferred to that medium, but has never appeared on CD.
*1953 Fritz Lehmann – (studio; mono) DG; Brilliant
*1953: A now-famous recording featuring [[Elisabeth Schwarzkopf]] and [[Elisabeth Grümmer]], sung in German with [[Herbert von Karajan]] conducting, was issued by [[EMI]]. It has been chosen as one of EMI's ''Great Recordings of the Century'' and is now available on CD.
Orchestra - Münchner Philharmoniker

Chorus - Knabenchor des Wittelbacher Gymnasiums München - Damen aus dem Chor des Bayerischen
Several versions of the opera in [[Stereophonic sound|stereo]] have also been made.
Rundfunks
*1971: [[Kurt Eichhorn]] and the Munich Radio Orchestra recorded the work for release on Eurodisc; subsequently this recording was more widely released by RCA. [[Anna Moffo]] sang Hansel and [[Helen Donath]] was Gretel. The cast also included [[Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau]] and the inimitable Witch of [[Christa Ludwig]].
Peter - Horst Günter
Gertrud - Marianne Schech
Hänsel - Gisela Litz
Gretel - Rita Streich
Die Knusperhexe - Res Fischer
Sandmännchen - Elisabeth Lindermeier
Taumännchen - Bruno Brückmann
*1964: [[André Cluytens]] and the [[Vienna Philharmonic]], in German on [[EMI]] with [[Irmgard Seefried]] as Hansel, [[Anneliese Rothenberger]] as Gretel, [[Elisabeth Höngen]] as the witch, [[Grace Hoffman]] as the mother, [[Walter Berry (bass-baritone)|Walter Berry]] as the father, [[Liselotte Maikl]] as the Sandman/Dew man, and the [[Vienna Boys' Choir]].
*1969 Otmar Suitner (studio; stereo) Berlin Classics; Brilliant
Orchestra - Dresdner Staatskapelle
Chorus - Knaben des Dresdner Kreuzchors
Peter - Theo Adam
Gertrud - Gisela Schröter
Hänsel - Ingeborg Springer
Gretel - Renate Hoff
Die Knusperhexe - Peter Schreier
Sandmännchen - Renate Krahmer
Taumännchen - Renate Krahmer
*1971: [[Kurt Eichhorn]] and the Munich Radio Orchestra recorded the work for release on Eurodisc; subsequently this recording was more widely released by RCA. [[Anna Moffo]] sang Hansel and [[Helen Donath]] was Gretel. The cast also included [[Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau]] and [[Christa Ludwig]] As the witch.
*1974 Heinz Wallberg (studio; stereo) EMI
Orchestra - Gürzenich Orchester Köln
Chorus - Knabenchor Köln
Peter - Hermann Prey
Gertrud - Ilse Gramatzki
Hänsel - Eugen Hug
Gretel - Brigitte Lindner
Die Knusperhexe - Edda Moser
Sandmännchen - Ursula Roleff
Taumännchen - Thomas Frohn
*1978: [[John Pritchard (conductor)|John Pritchard]] conducted the [[Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne]] for [[CBS Masterworks]]. [[Hänsel und Gretel (John Pritchard recording)|The studio recording]] received mixed reviews in ''[[Gramophone (magazine)|Gramophone]]'' and ''[[Stereo Review]]'', mainly regarding the conducting; the cast of [[Frederica von Stade]] (Hänsel), [[Ileana Cotrubaș]] (Gretel), [[Christa Ludwig]] (Mother), [[Siegmund Nimsgern]] (Peter), and [[Elisabeth Söderström]] (Witch) was well regarded, with high praise for [[Kiri Te Kanawa]]'s Little Sandman. For further details, see [[Hänsel und Gretel (John Pritchard recording)]].
*1978: Sir [[Georg Solti]] and the [[Vienna Philharmonic]] made a studio recording for [[Decca Records]] with [[Lucia Popp]] as Gretel and [[Brigitte Fassbaender]] as Hansel. This recording also featured [[Walter Berry (bass-baritone)|Walter Berry]] as the Father and the [[Vienna Boys' Choir]] as the gingerbread children.
*1978: Sir [[Georg Solti]] and the [[Vienna Philharmonic]] made a studio recording for [[Decca Records]] with [[Lucia Popp]] as Gretel and [[Brigitte Fassbaender]] as Hansel. This recording also featured [[Walter Berry (bass-baritone)|Walter Berry]] as the Father and the [[Vienna Boys' Choir]] as the gingerbread children.
*1993: Sir [[Colin Davis]] and the [[Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden|Staatskapelle Dresden]] recorded the opera for [[Philips Classics]] with [[Edita Gruberová]] and [[Ann Murray]] as the children. Dame [[Gwyneth Jones (soprano)|Gwyneth Jones]] portrays Gertrud.
*1989: [[Jeffrey Tate]] conducting the [[Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra]] on [[EMI]] with [[Anne-Sofie von Otter]] as Hansel and [[Barbara Bonney]] as Gretel.
*1992: Sir [[Colin Davis]] and the [[Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden|Staatskapelle Dresden]] recorded the opera for [[Philips Classics]] with [[Edita Gruberová]] and [[Ann Murray]] as the children. Dame [[Gwyneth Jones (soprano)|Gwyneth Jones]] portrays Gertrud.
*1994 Donald Runnicles (studio; digital) Teldec
*2007: Sir [[Charles Mackerras]] conducted the [[Philharmonia Orchestra]] in an English-language recording for the ''Opera in English'' series on [[Chandos Records]]. This recording featured [[Jennifer Larmore]] as Hansel and [[Rebecca Evans]] as Gretel and was a Gramophone Editor's Choice for September 2007.
Orchestra - Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Chorus - Tölzer Singerknaben
Peter - Bernd Weikl
Gertrud - Hildegard Behrens
Hänsel - Jennifer Larmore
Gretel - Ruth Ziesak
Die Knusperhexe - Hanna Schwarz
Sandmännchen - Rosemary Joshua
Taumännchen - Christine Schäfer
*1996 Paul Kantschnieder (studio; digital) RS/DARPO
Orchestra - Masurische Philharmonie
Chorus - Fuldaer Mädchenkantorei - Fuldaer Domsingknaben
Peter - Joachim Klüft
Gertrud - Esther Lee
Hänsel - Tina Hörhold
Gretel - Almut Wilker
Die Knusperhexe - Johanna Rutishauser
Sandmännchen - Martina Ramin
Taumännchen - Birgit Nath
*2007: Sir [[Charles Mackerras]] conducted the [[Philharmonia Orchestra]] in an English-language recording for the ''Opera in English'' series on [[Chandos Records]]. This recording featured [[Jennifer Larmore]] as Hansel and [[Rebecca Evans (singer)|Rebecca Evans]] as Gretel.
*2017: [[Marek Janowski]] conducted the [[Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra|Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin]], with Katrin Wundsam as Hänsel and Alexandra Steiner as Gretel. It was released under [[Pentatone (record label)|Pentatone]].


===Video===
===Film===
*1981: [[August Everding]] made a television film of the opera, which was first shown in the United States on ''[[Great Performances]]'', and is now available on [[DVD]]. It is conducted by Sir [[Georg Solti]], and features [[Brigitte Fassbaender]] as Hansel, [[Edita Gruberová]] as Gretel, [[Sena Jurinac]] in her last role before her retirement, as the Witch, and [[Hermann Prey]] as the father.
*1981: [[August Everding]] made a television film of the opera, which was first shown in the United States on ''[[Great Performances]]'', and is now available on DVD. Conducted by Sir [[Georg Solti]], the cast features [[Brigitte Fassbaender]] as Hansel, [[Edita Gruberová]] as Gretel, [[Sena Jurinac]] as The Witch (in her last role before her retirement), [[Hermann Prey]] as The Father and [[Helga Dernesch]] as The Mother.


==In popular culture==
==Film, television and radio==
===Radio and screen===
*1931: ''Hansel and Gretel'' was the first complete [[Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts|Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast]] performance, on [[Christmas]] Day in 1931.
*1931: ''Hansel and Gretel'' was the first complete [[Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts|Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast]] performance, on [[Christmas]] Day in 1931.
*1943, December 23: ''Hansel and Gretel'' was the first opera to be broadcast in its entirety on television, on [[WRGB]], a local [[Schenectady, New York]], TV station.
*1954: The opera was made into a [[Technicolor]] film in [[English language|English]] (''[[Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy]]''), with so-called "electronic" puppets (actually, a version of [[stop motion]] puppets). The [[screenplay]] was by Irish author [[Padraic Colum]]. [[Anna Russell]] provided the voice of the Witch. Not all of the score was used; the opera was, instead, presented as a sort of [[operetta]], with spoken dialogue between the main numbers. Baritone [[Frank Rogier]] sang the role of the Father. Soprano [[Constance Brigham]] sang both Hansel and Gretel, but actress [[Mildred Dunnock]], who did not sing her role, provided the voice of the Mother. [[Franz Allers]] conducted. This is available on DVD.
*1954: The opera was made into a [[Technicolor]] film in [[English language|English]] (''[[Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy|Hansel & Gretel]]''), with so-called "electronic" puppets (actually, a version of [[stop motion]] puppets). The [[screenplay]] was by Irish author [[Padraic Colum]]. [[Anna Russell]] provided the voice of Rosina Rubylips, the Witch. Not all of the score was used; the opera was, instead, presented as a sort of [[operetta]], with spoken dialogue between the main numbers. Baritone Frank Rogier sang the role of the Father. Soprano Constance Brigham sang both Hansel and Gretel, but actress [[Mildred Dunnock]], who did not sing her role, provided the voice of the Mother. [[Franz Allers]] conducted.
*1970: [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] produced a version of the opera directed by [[Norman Campbell]] with [[Maureen Forrester]] as the Witch.
*1981: Again on Christmas Day, the opera was telecast live on the [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]] ''[[Live from the Metropolitan Opera|Live from the Met]]'' series and sung once again in English. [[Frederica von Stade]] and [[Judith Blegen]] sang the title roles, with [[Thomas Fulton]] conducting. [[Michael Devlin (bass-baritone)|Michael Devlin]] sang Peter. The performance is available on DVD.
*1970: [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] produced a version of the opera directed by [[Norman Campbell (director)|Norman Campbell]] with [[Maureen Forrester]] as the Witch.
*1982: Again on Christmas Day, the opera was telecast live on the [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]] ''[[Live from the Metropolitan Opera|Live from the Met]]'' series and sung once again in English. [[Frederica von Stade]] and [[Judith Blegen]] sang the title roles, with [[Thomas Fulton]] conducting. [[Michael Devlin (bass-baritone)|Michael Devlin]] sang Peter. The performance is available on DVD.
*1998: [[Maurice Sendak]]'s production of the opera, which deliberately strips away all the spectacular fantasy elements in the "Children's Prayer" scene, was shown on television, and was directed by [[Frank Corsaro]].
*1998: [[Maurice Sendak]]'s production of the opera, which deliberately strips away all the spectacular fantasy elements in the "Children's Prayer" scene, was shown on television, and was directed by [[Frank Corsaro]].
*2008: The [[Royal Opera House]] in London recorded a German-language version in association with opera DVD specialist Opus Arte, the [[BBC]] and [[NHK]]. It was directed by [[Moshe Leiser]] and [[Patrice Caurier]] and had [[Diana Damrau]] as Gretel, [[Angelika Kirchschlager]] as Hansel, [[Thomas Allen (baritone)|Thomas Allen]] as Peter and [[Anja Silja]] as Witch.
*2008: The [[Royal Opera House]] in London recorded a German-language version in association with opera DVD specialist Opus Arte, the [[BBC]] and [[NHK]]. It was directed by [[Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier]] and had [[Diana Damrau]] as Gretel, [[Angelika Kirchschlager]] as Hansel, [[Thomas Allen (baritone)|Thomas Allen]] as Peter and [[Anja Silja]] as Witch.


For other film versions, see: ''[[Hansel and Gretel (film)]]''
For other film versions, see: ''[[Hansel and Gretel (film)]]''

===Literature===

*1949: In one chapter of [[Erich Kästner]]'s children's novel ''[[Lisa and Lottie|The Parent Trap]]'', Lottie Körner-while impersonating her [[twin]] sister, Luise Palfy-watches their father, Ludwig Palfy, conduct a performance of ''Hansel and Gretel''.

==See also==
* [[List of Christmas operas]]


==References==
==References==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Hänsel und Gretel (opera)}}
{{Commons category|Hänsel und Gretel (opera)}}
* [http://www.dlib.indiana.edu/variations/scores/bgp3053/large/index.html Score of ''Hänsel und Gretel'']
* [http://www.dlib.indiana.edu/variations/scores/bgp3053/large/index.html Orchestral score], [[Indiana University Bloomington]]
* {{IMSLP2|id=Hänsel und Gretel (Humperdinck, Engelbert)|cname=''Hänsel und Gretel''}}
* {{IMSLP|work=Hänsel und Gretel (Humperdinck, Engelbert)|cname=''Hänsel und Gretel''}}
*[http://www.uctv.tv/search-details.asp?showID=4010 San Diego OperaTalk! With Nick Reveles: ''Hansel and Gretel'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090116052312/http://www.uctv.tv/search-details.asp?showID=4010 San Diego OperaTalk! With Nick Reveles: ''Hansel and Gretel'']
*[http://www.opusarte.com/pages/product.asp?ProductID=293 Information about the 2008 Royal Opera House production]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090728092000/http://www.opusarte.com/pages/Product.asp?ProductID=293 Information about the 2008 Royal Opera House production]
*[http://www.kusc.org/kids/opera/index.asp KUSC Classical Radio's ''Hansel and Gretel for Kids: Design Your Own Opera!'']
*[https://goclassical.org/kids/opera/opera-game KUSC Classical Radio's ''Hansel and Gretel for Kids: Design Your Own Opera!'']


{{Engelbert Humperdinck compositions}}
{{OlivierAward OperaProduction 1993–2000}}
{{OlivierAward OperaProduction 1993–2000}}
{{Hansel and Gretel}}
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{{Authority control}}


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hansel And Gretel}}
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[[Category:Operas by Engelbert Humperdinck]]
[[Category:Operas by Engelbert Humperdinck]]
[[Category:German-language operas]]
[[Category:German-language operas]]
[[Category:Fantasy theatre]]
[[Category:Children's operas]]
[[Category:Children's operas]]
[[Category:Operas]]
[[Category:Operas]]
[[Category:Operas based on fairy tales]]
[[Category:Operas adapted into films]]
[[Category:Works based on Hansel and Gretel]]
[[Category:Works based on Hansel and Gretel]]
[[Category:Plays about witches and witchcraft]]

[[Category:Plays about Christianity]]
[[da:Hänsel und Gretel]]
[[Category:Plays about fairies]]
[[de:Hänsel und Gretel (Oper)]]
[[Category:Angels in popular culture]]
[[es:Hänsel und Gretel]]
[[fr:Hänsel und Gretel]]
[[ko:헨젤과 그레텔 (오페라)]]
[[it:Hänsel e Gretel (opera)]]
[[hu:Jancsi és Juliska (opera)]]
[[ja:ヘンゼルとグレーテル (オペラ)]]
[[fi:Hannu ja Kerttu (ooppera)]]
[[tr:Hansel ve Gretel (opera)]]
[[zh:汉泽尔与格蕾太尔 (歌剧)]]

Latest revision as of 14:23, 23 December 2024

Hänsel und Gretel
Märchenoper by Engelbert Humperdinck
Scene at the Vienna State Opera, 2015
LibrettistAdelheid Wette
LanguageGerman
Premiere
23 December 1893 (1893-12-23)

Hansel and Gretel (German: Hänsel und Gretel) is an opera by nineteenth-century composer Engelbert Humperdinck, who described it as a Märchenoper (fairy-tale opera). The libretto was written by Humperdinck's sister, Adelheid Wette, based on the Grimm brothers' fairy tale of the same name. It is much admired for its folk music-inspired themes, one of the most famous being the "Abendsegen" ("Evening Benediction") from act 2.

The idea for the opera was proposed to Humperdinck by his sister, who approached him about writing music for songs that she had written for her children for Christmas based on "Hansel and Gretel". After several revisions, the musical sketches and the songs were turned into a full-scale opera.

Humperdinck composed Hansel and Gretel in Frankfurt in 1891 and 1892.[1] The opera was first performed in the Hoftheater in Weimar on 23 December 1893, conducted by Richard Strauss. It has been associated with Christmas since its earliest performances and today it is still most often performed at Christmas time.

Performance history

[edit]

Hansel and Gretel was first conducted in Weimar by Richard Strauss in 1893,[2] followed by its Hamburg premiere on 25 September 1894, conducted by Gustav Mahler.[3]

Its first performance outside Germany was in Basel, Switzerland, on 16 November 1894.[4]

The first performance in England was in London on 26 December 1894, at Daly's Theatre[4][5] and its first United States performance was on 8 October 1895 in New York.[5]

The first performance in Australia was on 6 April 1907, at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne.[6]

In English-speaking countries Hansel and Gretel is most often performed in English. The longtime standard English translation was by Constance Bache. In the United States the opera was often performed in a translation by Norman Kelley written for the Metropolitan Opera's 1967 production by Nathaniel Merrill and Robert O'Hearn.[7] In 1987 a darkly comic new production with English translation by David Pountney was created for the English National Opera in London. Since 2007, the Met has performed the work in a production originally created for the Welsh National Opera using Pountney's translation.[8]

Roles

[edit]
Strauss in 1894
Roles, voice types, premiere cast
Role Voice type Premiere cast, 23 December 1893
Conductor: Richard Strauss
Peter,[N 1] broom-maker baritone Ferdinand Wiedey
Gertrud,[N 1] his wife mezzo-soprano Luise Tibelti
Hansel, their son mezzo-soprano Ida Schubert
Gretel, their daughter soprano Marie Kayser
The Gingerbread Witch mezzo-soprano[N 2] Hermine Finck
Sandman, the Sleep Fairy soprano Frl. Hartwig
Dewman, the Dew Fairy soprano Frl. Hartwig
Chorus of echoes three sopranos, two altos
Children's chorus
Ballet (14 angels)
  1. ^ a b While the father and mother are given names in the score, their names are never said on stage. Instead they are always referred to as "Father" and "Mother", even when they speak to each other.
  2. ^ The role of the Witch is sometimes sung by a tenor,[9][10] or the roles of Mother/Witch by the same singer.[11]

Synopsis

[edit]
Set design by Mario Sala in 1902

Act 1

[edit]

Scene 1: At home

Gretel stitches a stocking, and Hansel is making a broom. Gretel sings to herself as she works. Hansel mocks her, singing to the same tune a song about how hungry he is. He wishes for mother to come home. Gretel tells him to be quiet and reminds him of what father always says: "When the need is greatest, God the Lord puts out His hand." Hansel complains that one cannot eat words, and Gretel cheers him up by telling him a secret: A neighbor has given mother a jug of milk, and tonight she will make a rice blancmange for them to eat. Hansel, excited, tastes the cream on the top of the milk. Gretel scolds him and tells him he should get back to work. Hansel says that he does not want to work, he would rather dance. Gretel agrees, and they begin to dance around.

Scene 2

Mother enters, and she is furious when she finds that Hansel and Gretel have not been working. As she threatens to beat them with a stick, she knocks over the jug of milk. Mother sends Hansel and Gretel to the haunted Ilsenstein forest to look for strawberries. Alone, she expresses her sorrow that she is unable to feed her children, and asks God for help.

Scene 3

From far off, father sings about how hungry he is. He bursts into the house, roaring drunk, and kisses mother roughly. She pushes him away and scolds him for being drunk. He surprises her by taking from his pack a feast: Bacon, butter, flour, sausages, fourteen eggs, beans, onions, and a quarter pound of coffee. He explains to her that beyond the forest, it is almost time for a festival, and everyone is cleaning in preparation. He went from house to house and sold his brooms at the highest prices. As father and mother celebrate, he suddenly stops and asks where the children are. Mother changes the subject to the broken jug, and after she finishes telling him the story, he laughs, then asks again after the children. She tells him that they are in the Ilsenstein forest. Suddenly scared, father tells her that the forest is where the evil Gingerbread Witch (literally, "Nibbling Witch") dwells. She lures children with cakes and sweets, pushes them into her oven, where they turn to gingerbread, and then eats them. Father and mother rush to the forest to search for their children.

Act 2

[edit]

Here there is a prelude which begins the act, called the "Witch-ride". Sometimes, the two acts are linked to each other, and the prelude is treated as an interlude.

Scene 1: In the forest. Sunset.

Gretel weaves a crown of flowers as she sings to herself. Hansel searches for strawberries. As Gretel finishes her crown, Hansel fills his basket. Gretel tries to put the crown on Hansel, but, saying that boys do not play with things like these, he puts it on her head instead. He tells her that she looks like the Queen of the Wood, and she says that if that's so, then he should give her a bouquet, too. He offers her the strawberries. They hear a cuckoo calling, and they begin to eat the strawberries. As the basket empties, they fight for the remaining strawberries, and finally, Hansel grabs the basket and dumps the leftovers in his mouth. Gretel scolds him and tells him that mother will be upset. She tries to look for more, but it is too dark for her to see. Hansel tries to find the way back, but he cannot. As the forest darkens, Hansel and Gretel become scared, and think they see something coming closer. Hansel calls out, "Who's there?" and a chorus of echoes calls back, "He's there!" Gretel calls, "Is someone there?" and the echoes reply, "There!" Hansel tries to comfort Gretel, but as a little man walks out of the forest, she screams in terror.

Scene 2

The little man turns out to be the Sandman. He calms the frightened children down by telling them that he loves them dearly, and that he has come to put them to sleep. He puts grains of sand into their eyes, and as he leaves they can barely keep their eyes open. Gretel reminds Hansel to say their evening prayer, and after they pray, they fall asleep on the forest floor.

Hänsel, Gretel, angels

Scene 3

Traumpantomime [dream pantomime]. Fourteen angels come out and arrange themselves around the children to protect them as they sleep. They are presented with a gift. The forest is filled with light as the curtain falls.

Act 3

[edit]

Scene 1: In the forest.

The Dew Fairy comes to wake the children. She sprinkles dew on them, sings of how wonderful it is to be alive in the morning with the beauty of the forest surrounding her, and leaves as the children stir. Gretel wakes first, and wakes the sleepy Hansel. They tell each other of their mutual dream, of angels protecting them as they slept.

Scene 2

Suddenly they notice behind them a glorious gingerbread house. The roof is slated with cakes, the windows are of licorice, and the walls are decorated with cookies. On the left side is an oven, on the right side is a cage, and around it is a fence of gingerbread children. Unable to resist temptation, they take a little bit of the house and nibble on it.

Scene 3

As the children nibble, a voice calls out, "Nibbling, nibbling, little mouse! Who's nibbling on my little house?" Hansel and Gretel decide that the voice must have been the wind, and they begin to eat the house. As Hansel breaks off another piece of the house, the voice again calls out, "Nibbling, nibbling, little mouse! Who's nibbling on my little house?" Hansel and Gretel ignore the voice, and continue eating. The witch comes out of the house and catches Hansel with a rope, As Hansel tries to escape, the witch explains that she is Rosine Leckermaul (literally, "Rosina Tastymuzzle"),[12] that she likes nothing better than to feed children sweets. She tries to convince Hansel & Gretel to come into her house by offering them Chocolates, Tarts, Marzipans, Turkish Delight, Lollipops, Wedding Cakes, Strawberry Italian Ices, Blancmange, Almonds, Raisins, Peaches & Citrons but Hansel and Gretel are suspicious of the witch, so Hansel frees himself from the rope and he and Gretel begin to run away.

The witch takes out her wand and calls out, "Stop!" Hansel and Gretel are frozen to the spot where they stand. Using the wand, the witch leads Hansel to the cage. The witch leaves him stiff and slow of movement. She tells Gretel to be reasonable, and then the witch goes inside to fetch raisins and almonds with which to fatten Hansel. Hansel whispers to Gretel to pretend to obey the witch. The witch returns, and waving her wand, says, "Hocus pocus, holderbush! Loosen, rigid muscles, hush!" Using the wand, the witch forces Gretel to dance, then tells her to go into the house and set the table. Hansel pretends to be asleep, and the witch, overcome with excitement, describes how she plans to cook and eat Gretel.

The witch wakes up Hansel and has him show her his finger. He puts out a bone instead, and she feels it instead. Disappointed that he is so thin, the witch calls for Gretel to bring out raisins and almonds. As the witch tries to feed Hansel, Gretel steals the wand from the witch's pocket. Waving it towards Hansel, Gretel whispers, "Hocus pocus, holderbush! Loosen rigid muscles, hush!" As the witch turns around and wonders at the noise, Hansel discovers that he can move freely again.

The witch tells Gretel to peek inside the oven to see if the gingerbread is done. Hansel softly calls out to her to be careful. Gretel pretends that she does not know what the witch means. The witch tells her to lift herself a little bit and bend her head forward. Gretel says that she is "a goose" and doesn't understand, then asks the witch to demonstrate. The witch, frustrated, opens the oven and leans forward. Hansel springs out of the cage, and he and Gretel shove the witch into the oven. They dance. The oven begins to crackle and the flames burn fiercely, and with a loud crash it explodes.

Scene 4

Around Hansel and Gretel, the gingerbread children have turned back into humans. They are asleep and unable to move, but they sing to Hansel and Gretel, asking to be touched. Hansel is afraid, but Gretel strokes one on the cheek, and he wakes up, but is still unable to move. Hansel and Gretel touch all the children, then Hansel takes the witch's wand and, waving it, calls out the magic words, freeing the children from the spell.

Scene 5

Father is heard in the distance, calling for Hansel and Gretel. He and mother enter and embrace Hansel and Gretel. Meanwhile, the gingerbread children pull out from the ruins of the oven the witch, who has turned into gingerbread. Father gathers Hansel, Gretel and the other children around and tells them to look at this miracle. He explains that this is heaven's punishment for evil deeds and reminds them, "When the need is greatest, God the Lord puts out His hand."

Recordings

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Audio

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Orchestra - Münchner Philharmoniker Chorus - Knabenchor des Wittelbacher Gymnasiums München - Damen aus dem Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks Peter - Horst Günter Gertrud - Marianne Schech Hänsel - Gisela Litz Gretel - Rita Streich Die Knusperhexe - Res Fischer Sandmännchen - Elisabeth Lindermeier Taumännchen - Bruno Brückmann

Orchestra - Dresdner Staatskapelle Chorus - Knaben des Dresdner Kreuzchors Peter - Theo Adam Gertrud - Gisela Schröter Hänsel - Ingeborg Springer Gretel - Renate Hoff Die Knusperhexe - Peter Schreier Sandmännchen - Renate Krahmer Taumännchen - Renate Krahmer

Orchestra - Gürzenich Orchester Köln Chorus - Knabenchor Köln Peter - Hermann Prey Gertrud - Ilse Gramatzki Hänsel - Eugen Hug Gretel - Brigitte Lindner Die Knusperhexe - Edda Moser Sandmännchen - Ursula Roleff Taumännchen - Thomas Frohn

Orchestra - Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks Chorus - Tölzer Singerknaben Peter - Bernd Weikl Gertrud - Hildegard Behrens Hänsel - Jennifer Larmore Gretel - Ruth Ziesak Die Knusperhexe - Hanna Schwarz Sandmännchen - Rosemary Joshua Taumännchen - Christine Schäfer

  • 1996 Paul Kantschnieder (studio; digital) RS/DARPO

Orchestra - Masurische Philharmonie Chorus - Fuldaer Mädchenkantorei - Fuldaer Domsingknaben Peter - Joachim Klüft Gertrud - Esther Lee Hänsel - Tina Hörhold Gretel - Almut Wilker Die Knusperhexe - Johanna Rutishauser Sandmännchen - Martina Ramin Taumännchen - Birgit Nath

Film

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Radio and screen

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For other film versions, see: Hansel and Gretel (film)

Literature

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  • 1949: In one chapter of Erich Kästner's children's novel The Parent Trap, Lottie Körner-while impersonating her twin sister, Luise Palfy-watches their father, Ludwig Palfy, conduct a performance of Hansel and Gretel.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Plaque: Scheffelstraße 1, Frankfurt am Main: "In this house in the years 1891 and 1892 Engelbert Humperdinck composed the opera Hänsel und Gretel"
  2. ^ Peter Franklin The Life of Mahler, p. 83. Cambridge University Press, 1997
  3. ^ Gustav-mahler.es Archived 2009-12-24 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ a b Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 5th ed. 1954
  5. ^ a b Upton, George Putnam (1897). The Standard Operas (Google book) (12th ed.). Chicago: McClurg. pp. 125–129. ISBN 1-60303-367-X. Retrieved 15 October 2007.
  6. ^ Eric Irvin, Dictionary of the Australian Theatre 1788–1914
  7. ^ "Norman Kelley, 95, Tenor at City Opera and Elsewhere" by Anne Midgette, The New York Times, September 11, 2006
  8. ^ Metropolitan Opera programme, 200-12 Season[clarification needed][dead link]
  9. ^ "Opera Singers QR (see: Albert Reiss)". Historic Opera. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  10. ^ "Hansel and Gretel". Metropolitan Opera. Retrieved 15 January 2008.
  11. ^ "Resident Colorado Artists (see: Leslie Remmert Soich)". Opera Pronto, Colorado Opera Network. Retrieved 15 October 2007.
  12. ^ BWW News Desk. "The Bronx Opera Presents Hansel & Gretel"., Bronx Opera production
  13. ^ Lydia Warren (17 January 2011). "Remembering Manchester Children's Choir". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
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