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Saturday 14 Dec 19
Der Diktator (Krenek) & Der Kaiser von Atlantis (Ullmann) A double opera programme
Totalitarianism springs out of fear, only the fools can reach power
1 Shows
14 Dec 19:30
Opera
 Opera de Tenerife (Sala Sinfónica)

This double programme includes two operas by Austrian composers of the first half of the 20th century who through sarcasm, deal with the issue of totalitarian power. When Krenek composed Der Diktator (The Dictator) in 1928 fascism already ruled in Italy and it would soon reach Germany. Der Kaiser von Atlantis (The Emperor of the Atlantid) by Viktor Ullmann, was composed in 1943 at a concentration camp.


Der Diktator [The Dictator], Krenek


Tragic opera in one act with music and libretto in German by Ernst Krenek, premiered at Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden on 6 May 1928. This short work with a tremendous rhythm and composed in a melodic style that resembles Puccini’s, portrays the irresistible attraction of populist power, represented by a character who many thought inspired by Mussolini.


Der Kaiser von Atlantis [The Emperor of Atlantis], Ullmann


One-act opera by Austrian composer Viktor Ullmann and libretto in German by Peter Kien. It was composed while in prison at Theresienstadt concentration camp, where they were both jailed for being Jewish. The Theresienstadt camp was set up by the Nazis as a ‘model camp’ to give to the international community a milder version of the reality in the camps. This gave the great community of artists, musicians, writers, etc. in the camp a certain freedom not usually allowed by the Reich’s censorship. In fact, Der Kaiser von Atlantis, a surrealist legend of a tyrant that is leading humanity to a cruel massacre, pushing Death himself to go on strike, was composed with all the characteristics the Nazis considered as ‘degenerate music’ (atonality, jazz...). However, when the camp authorities realized the figure of Emperor Overall was a not very veiled parody of Adolf Hitler, they forbade its premiere. Ullmann was deported to Auschwitz in 1944 where he was killed at the gas chamber. The first performance of Der Kaiser von Atlantis only took place in 1975 in Amsterdam.


Spanish conductor Pedro Halffter, after leading major orchestras in the main theatres worldwide, is making his debut at Ópera de Tenerife with these two titles.

Musical Direction: Pedro Halffter


Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife

Cast: Der Diktator


Der Diktator (The dictator): Bruno Taddia


Charlotte, seine Frau (Charlotte, his wife): Melody Louledjian


Der Offizier (The officer): César Arrieta


Maria, seine Frau (María, his wife): Carmen Acosta


 


Cast: Der Kaiser von Atlantis


Kaiser Overall (Emperor Overall): Bruno Taddia


Der Lautsprecher (The announcer): Nicolo Donini


Ein Soldat (A soldier): David Astorga


Harlekin (Harlequin): David Astorga


Bubikopf, ein Mädchen (The girl): Melody Louledjian


Der Tod (Death): Francisco Crespo


Der Trommler (The drummer): Laura Verrecchia


 


 

Only for children over five years


Title included in Club Ópera de Tenerife Subscription and  Club Ópera Joven Subscription: enjoy the full season at a 20% discount and many more advantages.


Subscriptions on sale from 7 May to 24 October 2019.

Saturday 14 Dec
Hour
19:30

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