Die tote Stadt

For years, Paul has lived in Bruges only for the memory of his dead wife Marie. He keeps all the things that remind him of her, including a braid of the deceased's hair, in a room in his house, which has become a “church of the past“ for him.

When his friend Frank visits him, Paul tells him about his encounter with a stranger who looks exactly like Marie. It is Marietta, who is a guest dancer in Bruges and has accepted Paul's invitation to visit him. She accepts his bouquet of roses and, accompanying herself on Marie's lute, sings the old song “Glück, das mir verblieb“. For Paul, the images of the dead Marie merge more and more with those of Marietta. When he wants to embrace her, she slips away from him and leaves for the rehearsal, but not without encouraging him to come back to the theater.

Paul sinks into a deep dream in which Marie appears to him from her portrait and reminds him of his loyalty. Suddenly he finds himself on the quay in front of Marietta's house. Frank appears with the key to her room. Paul knocks him down and snatches the key. Marietta returns home from the theater with her comedy troupe and improvises the revival scene from Meyerbeer's opera Robert the Devil in the street in honor of Count Albert. Marietta plays Héléna, who has risen from the dead. Paul intervenes and accuses her of blasphemy. Marietta takes up the fight with her dead rival. After spending the night together, Paul is plagued by feelings of guilt. When a procession passes by his house, Marietta mocks him for his piety. Finally, she grabs Marie's braided hair. Paul tries to snatch it from her, throws Marietta down and strangles her.

Paul wakes up from his dream. Marietta appears to fetch the forgotten bouquet of roses. Frank also returns, and Paul decides to leave Bruges, the “City of Death“, with him.


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program

Die tote Stadt
Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Oper in drei Bildern
Text Paul Schott
eigentlich Julius und Erich Wolfgang Korngold
nach Georges Rodenbach
Sprache Deutsch

Place

Vienna State Opera – World-Renowned Stage for Opera and Ballet in the Heart of Vienna

The Vienna State Opera is one of the world's leading opera houses and a cultural landmark of Austria. Located prominently in the heart of Vienna, along the famous Ringstrasse, it offers outstanding opera productions featuring international stars and a renowned ballet ensemble.

Since its grand opening in 1869, the Vienna State Opera has been synonymous with musical excellence, artistic perfection, and an extensive repertoire ranging from operatic classics to contemporary works. Each season, it stages more than 300 performances, including world-famous operas such as Mozart’s "The Magic Flute", Verdi’s "La Traviata", and Puccini’s "Tosca".

Alongside its acclaimed opera productions, the Vienna State Opera is also home to the celebrated Vienna State Ballet, renowned for both classical and contemporary dance performances. The annual Vienna Opera Ball is a prestigious social event with international prominence.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• Lines U1, U2, U4 – Karlsplatz station, direct access

Tram:

• Lines 1, 2, D, 62, 71 – Oper/Karlsplatz stop

Bus:

• Line 59A – Oper stop

Its central location on Vienna’s Ringstrasse ensures convenient and easy access.

Vienna State Opera – A Symbol of Viennese Culture and Musical Excellence

As one of the world's premier opera houses, the Vienna State Opera is an essential destination for opera enthusiasts, music lovers, and visitors seeking to experience the cultural heart of Vienna.