YourClassical

Hansel and Gretel from the Met

Alekandra Kurzak as Gretel
Alekandra Kurzak as Gretel in Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel."
Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera

Hansel and Gretel — that is, the operatic version of the story, which the Metropolitan Opera performs this Saturday — can be seen as a musical equivalent of a gorgeous children's book. With each page turn, there's a sumptuous new illustration, with shimmering colors and detail — almost too good for the kids!

Its composer, Engelbert Humperdinck, was a disciple of Wagner, who learned the Wagnerian lessons well: masterful counterpoint, evocative mood-conjuring, rich orchestration. Appropriately, for a fairy tale, there are echoes of folk song, and touches of humor.

(A few examples: There's also a section where the witch rides her broomstick. Some have wondered if Humperdinck was gently poking fun at the Ride of the Valkyries, from Wagner's Ring cycle. Also, at the very beginning of the opera, the horns play the familiar melody of the Children's Prayer. It instantly evokes a fairy-tale setting of "deep in the forest.")

If you look at the photos from the Met production, however, you won't see those lush images. But you will see images of family life, of hungry children, and even of violence — a reminder that fairy tales can connect us with primal urges and stories. (There have been storybook productions of Hansel, but this is not one of them.)

The original source of Hansel and Gretel is the fairy-tale collection of the Brothers Grimm, which also popularized stories like Rumpelstitskin, Rapunzel, and Snow White. As it so happens, 2012 is the 200th anniversary of its publication — so the Met's performances are not only a musical event, but a tip of the hat to a book that is now common cultural property.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$
<!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE-->