The Abduction from the Seraglio
The Abduction from the Seraglio (Die Entführung aus dem Serail), K. 384, is a singspiel composed by Mozart in 1782. This opera, with a libretto by Christoph Friedrich Bretzner and adapted by Gottlieb Stephanie, tells the story of the rescue of Konstanze, who is held captive in the Pasha Selim’s harem. Belmonte, her lover, and his servant Pedrillo, along with the spirited maid Blonde, devise a plan to free her. The opera is renowned for its demanding vocal parts, especially for the soprano role of Konstanze, highlighted in arias like "Marten aller Arten" and "Ach, ich liebte." The comic character of Osmin, the harem overseer, provides humorous counterpoints with his bass arias. Mozart’s use of Turkish-inspired music, combined with his exquisite melodic invention and orchestration, creates a vibrant and engaging work that blends drama, comedy, and romance.
The Abduction from the Seraglio
Recording Credit Attribution
Performers Ferenc Fricsay (Conductor)
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (Orchestra)
RIAS Kammerchor (Chorus)
Josef Greindl (Osmin)
Maria Stader (Konstanze)
Rita Streich (Blonde)
Ernst Haefliger (Belmonte)
Martin Vantin (Pedrillo)
Helmuth Froschauer (Chorus Master)Publisher Info. Berlin: Deutsche Grammophon, No.457730, 1954. Copyright Source https://imslp.org/wiki/Die_Entf%C3%BChrung_aus_dem_Serail,_K.384_(Mozart,_Wolfgang_Amadeus) " ONLY MOZART could turn an opera about kidnapping into comedic gold. "
