Opera Guide– Das Heimchen am Herd
Goldmark Opera Based on The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens
Oct 16, 2009
The opera The Cricket on the Hearth (Das Heimchen am Herd) was composed by the Hungarian Karl Goldmark (also known as Carl Goldmark or Károly Goldmark).
The libretto was adapted by M. Willner from the classic Christmas story by Charles Dickens. The Cricket on the Hearth premiered in Berlin in 1896, and the first American performance was in 1910. Despite "much pretty music," according to Kobbé, the opera has not remained in the modern repertoire.
Characters in The Cricket on the Hearth
- John (Baritone)
- Dot, his wife (Soprano)
- May, a toymaker (Soprano)
- Edward Plummer, May's love (Tenor)
- Tackleton, May's employer (Bass)
- The Cricket (Soprano)
Synopsis of The Cricket on the Hearth
The story takes place in an English village in the early nineteenth century.
Act I
After an opening chorus of elves, the Cricket announces itself as the house's guardian spirit ("I am the Cricket"). Dot tells the cricket a secret: she suspects that she is pregnant, and is happy to have a child.
May is about to marry her employer, Tackleton, whom she despises, but must marry to gain the money to support her foster father. She loves Edward Plummer, who went on a journey to South America and was presumed lost.
But Edward has returned, disguised as a sailor; not even May recognizes him. He passes out letters to the villagers ("Home, sweet home").
Act II
May and Tackleton eat dinner together in the garden. When John arrives with the strange sailor, Edward, Tackleton becomes jealous ("My heart beats").
Edward reveals his identity to Dot. John tries to eavesdrop on their conversation, but she sends him away. Influenced by Tackleton, John believes that Dot is having an affair with Edward, and wishes to kill both Edward and himself. The Cricket reassures him and sings him to sleep, sending him dreams of his and Dot's coming baby.
Act III
May decides not to marry Tackleton despite his money, believing that she should be true to her love. Edward reveals himself ("Hulla, list to the seas"), and they agree to be married ("Oh speak, my adored one"). The villagers keep Tackleton away while the lovers drive off in his carriage. Dot tells John that she is pregnant, and they reconcile. The Cricket rejoices in the happiness of its house.
The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens
The full text of the novella The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens, the source for Goldmark's opera, can be found at Project Gutenberg.
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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