Der Prozeß (opera)
| Der Prozeß | |
|---|---|
| Opera by Gottfried von Einem | |
| Translation | The Trial |
| Language | German |
| Based on |
Der Process by Franz Kafka |
| Premiere | 17 August 1953 Salzburg Festival |
Der Prozeß (English: The Trial) is a German-language opera in two parts, divided into nine scenes, with music by Gottfried von Einem and a libretto by Boris Blacher and Heinz von Cramer, based on the novel by Franz Kafka. Composed over the period 1950 to 1952, this was von Einem's second opera. He dedicated it to the psychologist and theologian Oskar Pfister, who had been his therapist, and to his former teacher, Karl Christian Jensen.
The opera premiered on 17 August 1953 at the Salzburg Festival, with stage direction by Oscar Fritz Schuh, scene design by Caspar Neher, and Karl Böhm as conductor. The US premiere of the opera was in October 1953 at the New York City Opera, directed by Otto Preminger.
Part I
Scene 1, Die Verhaftung – zwei Zimmer (The Arrest – two rooms)
One morning, Josef K., a bank clerk, is arrested by two men, Franz and Willem, without being told the reason for his arrest. Franz and Willem go through his belonging inappropriately, to Josef K.'s annoyance. However, the men tell Josef K. that he may continue to work and move freely. Josef K. begins to suffer mental torment because he does not understand what crime he may have committed.
Scene 2, Fräulein Bürstner – zwei Zimmer (Fräulein Bürstner – two rooms)
After dinner, Josef K. visits his neighbor, Fräulein Bürstner, and discusses his arrest with her. She sits down at the table and begins to take notes. When there is a knock at the door, she tries to persuade her uninvited guest to leave the room. Josef K. then kisses her passionately.
Scene 3, Die Vorladung – Straße (The Subpeona – street)
At night, Josef K. walks on the street, feeling threatened by invisible forces. A stranger walks past him without a word, but then turns around and says that there will be a little investigation regarding his situation next Saturday. Josef K. should not miss the date.
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