Hansel und Gretel

Hänsel und Gretel is an opera by Engelbert Humperdinck (Humperdinck himself described it as a fairy opera.)

Related Topics:
Opera - Engelbert Humperdinck

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The libretto was written by Adelheit Wette (Humperdinck's sister), based on the Grimms' Hansel and Gretel.

Related Topics:
Libretto - Grimm - Hansel and Gretel

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It was first performed in Weimar on December 23, 1893.

Related Topics:
Weimar - December 23 - 1893

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The idea for the opera was proposed to Humperdinck by his sister, who approached him about writing music for songs that she had written for her children for Christmas based on "Hänsel and Gretel."

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After several revisions, the musical sketches and the songs were turned into a full-scale opera.

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Hänsel und Gretel has been associated with Christmas since its earliest performances, and it is often performed at Christmas time. It is much admired for its folk music-inspired themes, one of the most famous being the prayer from act II.

Related Topics:
Christmas - Folk music

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The opera is part of the standard operatic repertoire.

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There are a number of recordings of it, and it is regularly performed.

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