Der Besuch der alten Dame

Libretto by Friedrich Dürrenmatt; English version by Norman Tucker (G,E,F,I)

Major roles: M,heldT,Bar;
minor roles: 2S,lyrS,M,8T,3Bar,3BBar,2B,speaker,mime; chorus;
2.picc.2.2.2-4.3.3.1-timp.perc:tamb/cyms/SD/TD/BD/tam-t/gong/tgl-gtr-strings;
On-stage: 2bells,station bell,firebell

Güllen, a small town in Central Europe, The Present

At the station of the dilapidated small German town of Güllen, the local officials anxiously await the arrival of one of their townsfolk who left Güllen 45 years earlier and is now returning as one of the richest individuals on earth – Claire Zachanassian. The locals are counting on her money and on the persuasiveness of her former boyfriend, Alfred Ill, now a local storekeeper, married with children, who is likely to be the next mayor. When Zachanassian turns up, she is a debilitated old woman with a mangled arm and leg from various accidents, a large entourage and a very good memory. In particular, she remembers how as Clara Wäscher she was Ill's sweetheart, and was dumped by him when pregnant for a girl from a better-off family. She ended up as a prostitute in Hamburg, where she met the first of a string of wealthy husbands (she is now on No.7). She wants revenge. She offers the townspeople a deal – she will give them a thousand million if they kill Alfred Ill. Horrified, the townspeople refuse. By the beginning of the second act, however, the customers in his shop are buying his more expensive merchandise on credit. Some are wearing expensive shoes. Even his son has bought a motor-car. Alfred reads the runes and tries to escape, but the townspeople won't let him leave. Eventually a meeting is called of all the people in the local theatre, and Zachanassian's offer is accepted. Alfred's fellow citizens kill him, and Claire, accepting the body, hands over a cheque. The citizens of Güllen dance.

"Dürrenmatt’s parable about universal corruption has assured the opera its timeless validity... The score functions as a sonic red carpet for outstanding singers, producing powerful music theatre.”
Die Presse

“…a furious, unsettling parable about money and greed.”
Der Kurier

Comic, Dramatic