Ruders, Poul (1949)
The Thirteenth Child - A Fairytale Opera In Two Acts - Opera (Partitur)
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The Thirteenth Child - A Fairytale Opera In Two Acts by Poul Ruders (2014-15).Libretto by Becky Starobin and David Starobin. Scenario by Becky Starobin. Suggested by The Twelve Brothers by the Brothers Grimm.SYNOPSISAct 1, Scene 1The neighboring Kingdoms of Frohagord and Hauven are in crisis. Following a warning by his embittered cousin Drokan, Regent of Hauven, King Hjarne of Frohagord is convinced that his twelve sons are plotting to overthrow him. The twelve princes,oblivious to their fathers paranoia, play in the courtyard. The enraged King threatens the safety of his sons, telling his pregnant wife, Queen Gertrude, that she must provide him with a female heir, as "only she shall wear the crown". Gertrudecalms Hjarne and they sing of the Lilies of Frohagord, magical flowers that protect the kingdom. When Benjamin, the youngest prince, innocently plucks a lily from the garden, Hjarne flies into a mad rage and strikes Gertrude. Drokan, observing theencounter, admits his love for Gertrude and feels "the trembling of the earth".Act 1, Scene 2Eighteen years have passed and King Hjarne has just died. At Hjarnes funeral Frederic, Drokan, and the mourners tell of the mysterious disappearance of the Kings thirteen children and the shadows that haunt the kingdom. Queen Gertrude, now mortallyill, and her daughter, Princess Lyra, enter the Royal Chapel. Gertrude is repelled by the sight of Drokan, while Frederic is drawn to Lyra. Drokan plots to usurp the Kingdom of Frohagord and Frederic dreams of the day when Lyra will be his. Act 1, Scene 3Queen Gertrude is on her deathbed, attended by Princess Lyra. Lyra asks her mother why she was sent away. Gertrude has Lyra open a secret drawer where Lyra finds twelve shirts embroidered with the red Lilies of Frohagord. Gertrude reveals that theshirts belong to her missing brothers, who were sent to the forest, taking the lily bulbs with them. Before dying, Gertrude begs Lyra to find her brothers and heal the familys wounds. Lyra vows to find the twelve Princes.Act 2, Scene 1Lyra wanders through an enchanted forest, coming upon a cottage with twelve lilies in bloom. She encounters Benjamin, whom she learns is the youngest of her brothers. In the distance the older brothers are heard as they return home from a hunt.Benjamin, who fears that his brothers will seek revenge against Lyra, hides her. After his brothers assure him that they will do no harm, Benjamin reveals Lyra, much to the joy of all. Preparing for a celebratory
Ausgabe: Oper/Operette
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