King Roger

King Roger (Król Roger in Polish) is an opera by the Polish composer Karol Szymanowski set to a libretto by Jaros?aw Iwaszkiewicz. It was first performed on 19 June 1926 in Warsaw, Poland. Among the original cast was the composer's sister, the soprano Stanis?awa Korwin-Szymanowska, as Roxana.

Related Topics:
Polish - Opera - Composer - Karol Szymanowski - Libretto - Jaros?aw Iwaszkiewicz - 19 June - 1926 - Warsaw - Poland - Soprano - Stanis?awa Korwin-Szymanowska

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The opera originated from Szymanowski's enthusiam for Mediterranean culture as a melting pot of different peoples and religions. He spent much time travelling in that area in 1911 and again in 1914 and shared his love of the region with his librettist (and cousin) Iwaszkiewicz. It is thought that Szymanowski's lost novel Efebos dealt with mystical themes similar to those that inspired this work.

Related Topics:
Mediterranean - 1911 - 1914 - Novel - Efebos

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Musically, the influences of Scriabin, Richard Strauss and Ravel are apparent in the score. It is exquisitely colored by refined orchestration and evocative harmony, as well as seductive, often orientalist melodies. While the music is considered to be of the highest quality, the opera itself is not often staged, primarily because its strengths are not so much dramatic as musical, but there have been several recordings that have made this work more accesible.

Related Topics:
Scriabin - Richard Strauss - Ravel - Orchestration - Harmony - Melodies

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