Die Frau ohne Schatten

This opera, based on Hugo von Hofmannsthal's fairy tale and Richard Strauss's music, tells the story of Empress Barak, who is cursed by the sorceress Nurse with infertility. To break the curse, she must obtain seven magical shadowless men within three days. Her husband, the Emperor, is banished to the wilderness for his role in the curse. The Empress embarks on a perilous journey, aided by a talking bird and a benevolent giant, facing trials of her love and resolve.

This 1994 production of Richard Strauss's epic opera 'Die Frau ohne Schatten' was generally well-received, particularly for its ambitious staging and the vocal prowess of its leads. Critics often highlighted the complexity of the score and the challenging nature of the production, with many praising the orchestral performance and the visual spectacle. Audience reception was also positive, appreciating the grand scale and emotional depth of the opera.

• Praised for its grand operatic scale and ambitious musical interpretation.

• The vocal performances, particularly the Empress and Barak, were often cited as highlights.

• Acknowledged as a challenging but ultimately rewarding production of a complex work.

Google audience: Specific Google user reviews for this 1994 production are not readily available, but generally, audiences appreciate grand opera productions that are well-sung and visually impressive.

None notable for this specific production.

Richard Strauss and librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal collaborated on 'Die Frau ohne Schatten' after their successful partnership on 'Salome' and 'Elektra', aiming to create a more hopeful and universally thematic work.