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HANSEL AND GRETEL AT THE GERMAN NATIONAL THEATER

October 16, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

Weimar, Germany

Weimar National Theater (wikipedia.com)

Weimar National Theater (wikipedia.com)

Of all the holiday musical traditions, one of the oldest, if somewhat unusual, is Engelbert Humperdinck’s operetta, Hansel and Gretel.  This beautiful, somewhat scary composition is closely associated with Christmas for two reasons: first, it premiered two days before Christmas in 1893; and second, it was written as an entertainment for children.  Although not as important a holiday staple as The Nutcracker, Hansel and Gretel still pops up at Christmas time musical venues around the world.

This operetta was one of the major child-oriented performances pieces, which included The Nutcracker and Babes in Toyland, to emerge at the end of the 19th century.  Based on the fairytale as told by the Grimm Brothers, it tells the familiar story of curious children Hansel and Gretel who are nearly cooked and consumed by a cannablistic witch in the Black Forest.  Although the story’s theme is somewhat odd for Christmas, its happy ending, not too mention the witch’s gingerbread house, softens it for the holidays.

Hansel and Gretel (operanews.com)

Hansel and Gretel (operanews.com)

The operetta’s premier at the German National Theater in Weimar on December 23, 1893 was conducted by Richard Strauss; and its second performance in Hamburg was conducted by Gustav Mahler.  It became an overnight sensation, especially the Evening Benediction in Act II, which lives on in popular culture as the common children’s prayer commonly known as Now I lay me down to sleep.  It is not often performed at the German National Theater, but when it is, that is the place to see it.

The German National Theater in Weimar is one of the most important musical institutions in Germany, and is associated with such luminaries as Bach, Liszt and (Richard) Strauss.  As of the time of this writing there was no information for upcoming performances.  Web: www.nationaltheater-weimar.de (official website of the German National Theater).

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: Germany

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About Howard Kramer

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is a culmination of years of his work and passion.

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Welcome to The Complete Pilgrim(TM)! This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). All written content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public research and enjoyment. Thank you for visiting!

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About the Author

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion.

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