The CSUSB Opera Theatre presents Opera as Song: Robert Schumann's Liederkreis Opus 39 and Frauenliebe und Leben.
Schumann’s song cycle Leiderkreis Opus 39, set to poetry by Joseph von Eichendorff, embodies the spirit and themes of 19th-century German Lieder: woods and nature, reflection on love, and mysterious eccentricity. Our CSUSB Opera Theatre Ensemble tells the story of a 19th-century wanderer through spoken word, song, and movement.
The second cycle Frauenliebe und Leben, set to text by Adelbert von Chamisso, follows the life of a young woman who falls in love, marries and ultimately suffers the tragedy of her husband’s death. The cycle, which has for years been criticized for having patriarchal themes, takes an unexpected twist through this original adaptation by the CSUSB Opera Theatre Ensemble.
Stacey Fraser, Director
Alastair Edmonstone, Music Director
Terrill Corletto, Choreographer