Opera Guide– Königskinder (The Royal Children)
Fairy Tale Opera by Engelbert Humperdinck
Oct 12, 2009
Englebert Humperdinck's opera Königskinder premiered at the Metropolitan Opera House on December 28, 1910. The libretto was written by Ernst Rosmer. Although the inspiration comes from traditional fairy tales such as "The Goose Girl" by the Brothers Grimm, the story is actually an original one. Königskinder was never as popular as Humperdinck's earlier fairy tale opera Hänsel und Gretel, and is rarely performed today.
Characters in Königskinder
- The Goose Girl (Soprano)
- The Witch (Contralto)
- The King's Son (Tenor)
- The Fiddler (Baritone)
- The Woodcutter (Bass)
- The Broom-maker (Tenor)
- The Councillor (Baritone)
- The Innkeeper (Bass)
- The Innkeeper's Daughter (Mezzo-soprano)
- The Tailor (Tenor)
- The Stable Maid (Contralto)
- Two Gatekeepers (Baritones)
- Two Children (Soprani)
Synopsis of Königskinder
Act I
The Goose Girl, held prisoner by the Witch, helps her bake bread; the Witch warns her that it is poisoned. The King's Son comes across her, and they fall instantly in love. He accidentally breaks her wreath of flowers and gives her a crown in exchange.
When she tries to leave the forest with him, however, the geese crowd around her and the wind holds her back, and he leaves her. Giving the crown to a goose to hide from the Witch, the Goose Girl tries to hide what has happened, but eventually admits that she has met a man. The Witch plans to lock her away, and sends her inside the house.
The Fiddler, Woodcutter, and Broom-maker appear. The Councillors have sent them to consult with the Witch on how to find a king for their city, Hellabrun. The Witch declares that the first person to enter the city gates after noon shall be named king. However, they see the Goose Girl looking out the cottage window. The Fiddler recognizes her as the daughter of a king, the goose returns her crown, and the witch's spell breaks.
Act II
The King's Son arrives in Hellabrun and eats at the inn. The Inkeeper's Daughter tries to attract his affection, but his thoughts are with the Goose Girl. He takes a job as a swineherd. The Woodcutter delivers the Witch's message, and all wait for the king to arrive. At noon, the Goose Girl enters with the Fiddler and her geese, and is reunited with the King's Son. But no one except a child recognizes them as people of royal birth, and they are laughed out of town.
Act III
In the winter snow, the Fiddler approaches the now-abandoned Witch's hut. The witch has been burned as punishment, and the Fiddler imprisoned. The Fiddler asks the doves if they have seen the King and Queen. The Woodcutter and the Broom-maker arrive with the children, who want the King and Queen to return.
Lost in the snow, the Goose Girl and the King's Son arrive. They trade the Goose Girl's crown for food, but end up eating the Witch's poisoned bread. They die together, and the Fiddler sings songs for them.
Sources:
- Kobbé, Gustav. The Complete Opera Book. New York and London: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.
- Mason, Henry L. Opera Stories. Boston: Henry L. Mason, 1912.
- Melitz, Leo, trans. Richard Salinger. The Opera Goer's Complete Guide. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1921.
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