Richard Strauss’s Die Frau ohne Schatten shows in New York return to the Metropolitan Opera, promising an unforgettable experience under the baton of Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This grand mythological epic, renowned for its demanding orchestral and vocal requirements, features a stellar cast. Elza van den Heever portrays the ethereal Empress, Nina Stemme takes on the role of the Nurse, and Lise Lindstrom plays the Dyer’s Wife.Tenor Russell Thomas plays the Emperor, while Baritone Michael Volle, celebrated for his recent performances in
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and Wagner’s
Ring cycle stars as Barak. Alongside them the Spirit Messenger is played by bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green.
Composed by Richard Strauss with a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York is sung in German, with Met titles available in English, German, and Spanish. Premiered at the Vienna State Opera in 1919, this opera delves into the mystical realm of the spirit god Keikobad, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation.
The production’s intricate staging and powerful music make it a must-see event for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike, so get your Die Frau ohne Schatten tickets in NYC right here at VisitNYC.com.
Story Overview
Richard Strauss’s Die Frau ohne Schatten is a complex and richly woven tale that unfolds over three acts, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation.
Act I of Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York introduces the Empress, a half-spirit daughter of Keikobad, who cannot bear children or cast a shadow. Her inability to do so threatens her father’s empire. She must acquire a shadow within three days, or she will return to her father, and her husband, the Emperor, will turn to stone. The Emperor, reminiscing about how he won the Empress, leaves for a three-day hunt. The Empress, mourning the loss of her talisman, is frightened by a prophecy that she cannot cast a shadow and that the Emperor will turn to stone. The Nurse, with malicious intent, guides her to the human world to find a shadow. They arrive at Barak and his Wife’s home, who is frustrated and childless. The Nurse and the Empress, disguised as servants, tempt Barak’s Wife with jewelry and promises, leading her to agree to give up her shadow. However, she feels guilty and conflicted, especially when she hears the voices of invisible children reproaching her.
Act II continues in Barak’s home, where the Nurse and the Empress, still disguised, manipulate the Wife. The Nurse conjures the Apparition of a Young Man to tempt her further. The Wife, believing she hates her husband, contemplates deceiving him. Barak’s return interrupts this encounter, and the Empress begins to show compassion for Barak and doubts the Nurse’s schemes. The tension between the characters escalates as the Empress’s quest for a shadow becomes more desperate, and the Wife’s internal conflict grows.
The last and final Act III of Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York brings the story to a climax. The Empress, realizing the gravity of her actions, refuses to take the Wife’s shadow, even though it means losing the Emperor. This act of selflessness breaks the curse, and the Emperor is saved. The Empress gains her shadow, symbolizing her transformation and acceptance of her human side. Barak and his Wife reconcile, understanding the value of their love and the importance of their bond. The opera concludes with a powerful message about the strength of love and the sacrifices it demands.
Die Frau ohne Schatten is a profound exploration of human emotions and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of Strauss’s intricate and evocative music. The characters’ journeys through love, temptation, and redemption are masterfully portrayed, making this opera a timeless masterpiece.
Get your Die Frau ohne Schatten tickets in New York today, and get ready to witness an opera that moves you.
Cast Information
The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York features a stellar cast led by conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Elza van den Heever stars as the Empress, with Lise Lindstrom as the Dyer’s Wife and Nina Stemme as the Nurse. Russell Thomas takes on the role of the Emperor, while Michael Volle portrays Barak. Ryan Speedo Green completes the principal cast as the Spirit Messenger. This ensemble of renowned performers brings Strauss’s complex characters to life, ensuring a memorable and powerful performance.
Venue Information
The Metropolitan Opera, located at Lincoln Center in New York City, is one of the world’s leading opera houses. Known for its grand productions and exceptional acoustics, the Met Opera offers a premier venue for experiencing Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York.
The venue’s state-of-the-art facilities and historic significance provide an ideal setting for this mythological epic, enhancing the audience’s immersion in Strauss’s intricate and evocative music.
Reviews and Audience Reception
Die Frau ohne Schatten shows in New York have garnered significant acclaim for their ambitious staging and powerful performances. Critics have praised the Met’s production for its visual and auditory splendor, highlighting the intricate set designs and the exceptional quality of the orchestra under Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s direction. The cast’s performances, particularly those of Elza van den Heever, Lise Lindstrom, and Nina Stemme, have been lauded for their emotional depth and vocal prowess.
Audience reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing admiration for the opera’s complex narrative and the performers’ ability to convey its profound themes. The production’s ability to balance the fantastical elements of the story with the human emotions at its core has resonated deeply with viewers. The Met’s staging of Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York has been described as a glorious soul-stirring spectacle, with the combination of Strauss’s music and the performers’ talents creating an unforgettable experience.
Overall, the Met’s production of Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York stands out as a highlight of the opera season, offering a rich and immersive experience that showcases the best of what the Metropolitan Opera has to offer.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the wonder for yourself. Get your Die Frau ohne Schatten tickets in New York today.
Musical Numbers and Audience Favorites
Richard Strauss’s Die Frau ohne Schatten shows in New York feature an extraordinarily large orchestra, including a thunder machine, brass, winds, and an organ, alongside a pit orchestra that makes use of unique instruments like the glass harmonica and two celestas.
The extravagant percussion section includes castanets, Chinese gongs, and even a slapstick. The vocal writing is equally remarkable, requiring great musicality, stamina, and strength, from the lead roles. Audience favorites often include the Empress’s poignant arias and the powerful duets between Barak and his Wife.
The intricate orchestration and the dramatic interplay between the characters create a rich melody of sound that entrances audiences. The opera’s ability to balance dense orchestration with elegant and delicate passages is a testament to Strauss’s genius, making it a beloved piece among opera enthusiasts.
Awards and Recognition
Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York has received numerous accolades for its ambitious staging and powerful performances. The Metropolitan Opera’s production has been particularly praised for its visual and auditory splendor. The intricate set designs and the exceptional quality of the orchestra under Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s direction have garnered critical acclaim.
The cast’s performances, especially those of Elza van den Heever, Lise Lindstrom, and Nina Stemme, have been highlighted for their emotional depth and vocal prowess, contributing to the opera’s esteemed reputation.
Run Length and Schedule
The estimated run time for Die Frau ohne Schatten in New York is 4 hours and 10 minutes. The performance is divided into three acts, with Act I lasting 65 minutes, followed by a 30-minute intermission. Act II runs for 60 minutes, followed by another 30-minute intermission, and Act III concludes the opera with a 65-minute performance. This schedule allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the epic narrative while providing ample breaks for relaxation and reflection.
Food and Beverage Options
The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera offers contemporary cuisine by Executive Chef Richard Diamonte, available pre-curtain or during intermission. The Grand Tier Bar provides light snacks and a full-service bar, while the Belmont Room offers dining and cocktail service for Guild Members and Met Patrons. Additional bars and snack options are available in the vicinity, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for everyone in attendance.
