E. Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel (Szeged National Theater)

The libretto was written by Adelheit Wette based on the original Grimm fairy tale.

Countless generations have grown up with the Grimm brothers' fairy tale, but no adaptation has been able to present it in a more colorful and magical way than Humperdinck's opera, written with a golden orchestral sound. The two lost children of the broom maker, his new wife, the witch and the gingerbread house come to life, and a dream-giving elf and a little creature that brings awakening join the familiar heroes.

Humperdinck is a prominent figure of German late Romanticism, whose music combines folk-like lightness with chord progressions and sparkling orchestral colors that perfectly illustrate moments of magic and transformation. The first conductor of the completed opera was none other than Richard Strauss, but Gustav Mahler, the conductor of its second performance in Hamburg, also spoke highly of it. A fairy tale performance is being prepared for children – but the work also promises an uplifting musical journey for any adult opera lover.