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Fairytale Opera Hansel and Gretel

Classical Music / Opera Datebook:  December 23

Humperdinck Hänsel und Gretel in Three Acts


Opera Hänsel und Gretel (Hansel and Gretel) by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck: plot synopsis, character list, and other Humperdinck opera information.

The fairy tale opera Hänsel und Gretel by 19th- century German composer Engelbert Humperdinck is based on a German folk tales by the Grimm Brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The libretto was written by Humperdinck's sister, Adelheid Wette, adapted from the Grimm brothers' fairy tale of the same title. The opera was written by Humperdinck in Frankfurt in 1891 and 1892, although other biographers include 1893. it was first performed in Weimar on December 23, 1893, conducted by Richard Strauss. 

It is much admired for its folk music-inspired themes, one of the most famous being the "Abendsegen" ("Evening Benediction") from Act 2.  After several revisions, the musical sketches and the songs were turned into a full-scale opera. The opera has been associated with Christmas since its earliest performances and until today it is still most often performed at Christmas time.  

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