Karol Szymanowski drew inspiration from the music of many composers. One of his works is particularly associated with the music of Richard Strauss. Let’s find out which one!
Hagith is Karol Szymanowski’s first opera and clearly reveals the influence of Richard Strauss, particularly his Salome.
Excerpt from Karol Szymanowski’s autograph score of “Hagith”
Hagith op. 25:
- Opera in one act,
- Dedicated to prince Władysław Lubomirski,
- Commissioned by the music publisher Universal Edition in Vienna,
- The original libretto was written in German, and after various difficulties it was translated (not very successfully) into Polish,
- The opera premiered on 13 May 1922 at the Grand Theatre (Teatr Wielki) in Warsaw.
The plot centres on the biblical story of King David (the Old King) and the young woman Abiszag (Hagith). Hagith is meant to restore the ageing King’s strength by sacrificing her virginity. However, she and the Young King fall in love with each other, much to the Old King’s disapproval. When the Old King attempts to force himself on her, he suddenly collapses dead. The people blame Hagith and stone her to death.
excerpt from the soprano part of “Hagith”
Salome and Hagith – SIMILARITIES
- Libretto based on a story from the Old Testament
- Jewish theme
- Central conflict: a woman confronting a powerful ruler
- Complex, dissonant harmonies and dense orchestration
- Powerful expression and dramatic intensity
The Polish production of the opera was received positively. However, following its German premiere in Darmstadt in 1923, European audiences accused Szymanowski of imitating and copying Strauss. Karol himself wrote to Stefan Spiess:
I have come to realise that, with a truly suitable libretto, opera would be something close to me. Unfortunately, Hagith represents the exact opposite of my views and ideals – and so I often fall into Strauss mannerism – which annoys me immensely.
Regardless of the criticism directed at Hagith, we encourage you to discover this remarkable work by Karol Szymanowski. Visit the Scores collection and the Ikonoteka, where you can find, among other material, photographs from the Warsaw premiere of the oper.
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