Hansel & Gretel, the opera by Engelbert Humperdinck By Engelbert Humperdinck The Opera “Hänsel und Gretel” is an opera by nineteenth-century composer Engelbert Humperdinck, who described it as a “fairy tale opera”. The libretto was written by Humperdinck's sister, based on the Grimm brothers' Hansel and Gretel. It is much admired for its folk music-inspired themes, one of the most famous being the "Evening Benediction" from Act 2. The idea for the opera was proposed to Humperdinck by his sister, who approached him about writing music for songs that she had written for her children for Christmas, based on "Hänsel und Gretel." After several revisions, the musical sketches and the songs were turned into a full-scale opera. The opera was first performed in Weimar on 23 December 1893, conducted by Richard Strauss. Since its earliest performances it has been associated with Christmas ever since and even today it is frequently performed at Christmas time. A favourite of children and adults alike, opera companies frequently produce this opera in various themed guises.

The sheer fantasy of the story allows for many creative indulgences. Hansel & Gretel | Knoxville Opera Hansel & Gretel Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel The beloved tale of two children whose goodness and faith triumph over an evil witch returns to the Tennessee Theatre for the first time in 32 years. Performed at The Magnificent Tennessee Theatre Opera preview hosted by Maestro Salesky begins 45 minutes prior to each performance. The lavish production includes a 19-foot tall candied house, trees with blinking eyes, cuckoo birds, 14 angels, and a dancing witch.  All children are invited to take photos with the cast on the set after the final curtain. Candy provided! A sumptuous treat awaits young and old alike as the timeless fable is presented with magnificent music filled with folk tunes and romantic lyricism. Meet the Director Candace Evans (Stage Director) Candace Evans has enjoyed a distinguished career as a director and choreographer of over 80 operas, musicals and plays.

Among the companies which have presented her productions are the Teatro Colón (Buenos Aires), Santa Fe Opera, Dallas Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Florentine Opera, Madison Opera, North Carolina Opera and Opera San Antonio. Honored by the National Music Critic’s Association of Argentina, Ms. Evans’ work was selected among the top three operas of 2012. Similarly, her productions of Carmen and Eugene Onegin for Madison Opera were named Top Ten Classical Events. Frequently asked to develop new productions, Ms. Evans’ Akhnaten was selected by the composer, Philip Glass, to be a definitive DVD. With a conservatory Master of Fine Arts degree in classical theatre/direction, Ms. Evans also trained as an opera singer, ballet dancer and toured the world as a stage performer. Relocating from New York City, she taught for the theatre/music departments of Southern Methodist University for 4 years and now privately coaches singers and leads masterclasses. Ms. Evans has served as the acting/movement coach for Dallas Opera, Fort Worth Opera Festival and Taos Opera Institute. Ms.

Evans recent engagements include three new productions, Salome, featuring the role debut of Patricia Racette, Il Matrimonio Segreto, part of the ICastica summer arts festival in Arezzo, Italy and Le Wally, for the Dallas Opera. Meet the Cast Sponsored thanks to the generosity of Verna Stevenson. Birthplace: Winston-Salem, North Carolina U.S. Opera: Marble City Opera, Janiec Opera (Brevard Music Festival), Univ. of Tenn. Opera Theatre, Greensboro Opera, University of North Carolina at Greensboro Opera Theatre U.S. Orchestras : Univ. of Tenn. Symphony Orchestra Plot Synopsis Act I; Scene 1: A cottage near Mount Ilsenstein, Harz, Germany. Bored with their chores, Gretel entreats Hansel to dance with her. Their antics are interrupted by their mother’s arrival and she is furious to find them wasting time. As she threatens punishment, she knocks over a pitcher of milk and sends them out to find food. Alone, she expresses her sorrow that she is unable to feed her children. Her husband arrives with a surprise feast, explaining that he had his very best day of selling broomsticks.

His happiness turns to horror when he realizes that his children have been sent to Ilsenstein Forest which is inhabited by a cannibalistic witch. The couple rush off to search for their children. Act I; Scene 2: The Ilsenstein Forest, that evening. Gretel weaves a garland of flowers while Hansel picks berries. They hear a cuckoo calling as they begin to eat the berries, eventually devouring them all. Hansel realizes he has forgotten the way back home. As night descends, Gretel becomes frightened; Hansel tries to comfort her, but they are both startled as an unusual man walks into the clearing. It is the Sandman who has come to put them to sleep. After saying their evening prayer they fall asleep and fourteen angels appear to protect them. Act II: The Ilsenstein Forest, the next morning. The Dew Fairy wakes the children. A candied gingerbread house with a fence of gingerbread children magically appears. Hansel and Gretel joyfully nibble on bits of the house. An old Witch comes out of the house, provoking the children to attempt an escape, but she paralyzes them with her magic wand.

Hansel is caged and Gretel is forced to dance wildly. After Gretel enters the house, Hansel pretends to be asleep while the Witch describes how she plans to cook and eat Gretel. The Witch, disappointed that Hansel seems so thin, calls for Gretel to bring out fattening treats. While the Witch force-feeds Hansel, Gretel steals the wand. Waving it towards Hansel, Gretel whispers a spell which breaks his bondage. The Witch tells Gretel to peek inside the oven to see if the gingerbread is done. Gretel, pretending she doesn’t understand, asks the Witch to demonstrate. The Witch opens the oven and leans in. Hansel and Gretel shove her into the flames. After a celebratory dance, the gingerbread children miraculously turn back into humans. Hansel and Gretel’s parents finally find them and all give thanks for their deliverance from evil.

Knoxville Opera Hansel and Gretel HANSEL AND GRETEL Based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm The Cast 1899 illustration of Hansel and Gretel asleep in the forest, after a painting by William de Leftwich Dodge (1867-1935) Hansel, a boy Peter, their father, a broom-maker Baritone Angels, gingerbread children, chorus of echoes. The Story About Engelbert Humperdinck and Hansel and Gretel No, the famous British pop singer from the 1960s — real name Arnold Dorsey — did not compose this opera. The Engelbert Humperdinck who wrote Hansel and Gretel was born in Germany in 1854. In the 1890s, his sister, Adelheid Wette, had written a libretto based on the Grimm fairy tale, and asked her brother to set it to music as a Christmas entertainment for her children. Later, Engelbert and Adelheid decided to turn this modest family project into a full-scale opera. Hansel and Gretel premiered on December 23, 1893 at Weimar.

It was an instant hit and remains an everlasting masterpiece. The young composer Richard Strauss, who was the assistant conductor for the premiere, called it “a masterwork of the first rank.” Act I Scene 1. A poor cottage at the edge of a forest. Once upon a time... ... a brother and sister named Hansel and Gretel lived with their father and mother, Peter and Gertrude, at the edge of a huge forest. When our story opens, they are alone in their poor cottage, hard at work at their chores, and very very hungry. Gretel teases Hansel for being a grump, and promises to tell him a secret if he will cheer up — there’s milk in the jug, and their mother will make them a nice pudding when she comes home. Hansel sneaks a taste of the milk, but Gretel warns him that their mother will be angry if they don’t get back to work. Hansel refuses; he prefers to dance. Gretel thinks that’s a wonderful idea, and they begin to dance (“Brother, come and dance with me”).

In the middle of all the fun, Gertrude comes home in a very bad mood, angry at them for not having finished their work. She gets a stick to hit them, and, as they escape, she accidentally knocks over the jug, spilling all the milk. She angrily orders them out of the house to pick strawberries. Then she despairs, and begs God for help in feeding her children. Exhausted, she falls asleep. Peter is heard singing in the distance. He reels into the house and gives Gertrude a big smacking kiss. She is not amused, and accuses him of being drunk. He ignores her nagging and playfully asks for supper. She tells him that there’s nothing to eat, but, to her surprise, he pulls out a sackful of food. It seems that he had gone to town to sell his brooms, and there was a festival going on, so he managed to make a huge profit. Gertrude toasts his success, and, as they begin to dig into the food, he realizes that the children aren’t there. Gertrude tells him how Hansel and Gretel were misbehaving, and how she broke the milk jug trying to get at them.

Peter laughs heartily at this, and Gertrude can’t help joining in. He asks again where they are, and she replies, “For all I know, at the Ilsenstein.” Peter is struck with horror, for the Ilsenstein is the mountain abode of a horrible witch who rides on a broomstick, lures children to her gingerbread house, and — bakes them into gingerbread! They rush out of the house in search of the children. Scene 2. The Forest. It is now sunset. Hansel is roaming about in the forest picking strawberries, while Gretel makes a crown of flowers and sings a little song. They begin snacking on the berries as they listen to a cuckoo singing on the distance. Soon they begin fighting over the strawberries, but Hansel grabs the basket away from Gretel and eats them all. Gretel is horrified; now they’ll have to pick twice as many as before. It’s getting dark, and they realize that they are lost in the woods. Hansel tries to reassure her, but they begin to see strange shapes and lights. When Hansel calls out, “Who’s there?” only an echo replies.

Gretel thinks she sees ghostly figures coming for them and cries out for her parents. Out of the mist, a little man appears with a sack on his back. It is the Sandman, and he sprinkles his magic sand on them to help them sleep. The children say their Evening Prayer (“Now I lay me down to sleep”) and fall into a deep sleep as angels appear to watch over them. Act II The Witch’s House in the Forest. Dawn. The Dew Fairy sprinkles dew on the children to gently wake them. Gretel wakes up first and greets the morning with a song. Then she tickles Hansel awake. She tells him that she dreamt of angels; Hansel is surprised, for he had the same dream. Suddenly, a beautiful gingerbread house appears in the forest. They run up to it, inspecting the candy and cake trimming the house, eager to start eating and hoping that whoever lives in the house will invite them in. Hansel knocks, but no one answers. Gretel stops him from opening the door, but he argues that the angels they saw in their dream must live in the house, and that it will be all right if they just start eating.

As Hansel breaks off a piece of cake, they hear a strange voice from inside the house: Nibble, nibble, mousekin, Who’s nibbling at my housekin? The children freeze with fear, but then, concluding that it must be the wind, go on to taste the treats. It is heavenly! They grab more sweets off the house, but again stop dead when they hear: Nibble, nibble, mousekin, Who’s nibbling at my housekin? They answer the voice, saying that it’s the wind. They go on eating and laughing, but soon someone else is laughing with them: a horrible Witch. She takes hold of them, eyeing them hungrily and telling them how much she loves children -- to eat. Hansel and Gretel struggle to escape, but the Witch laughs at them, describing all the goodies she will feed them to fatten them up and make them tender and delicious. They manage to break away, but she freezes them with a spell that she casts from a magic stick: Hocus pocus, malus locus, bonus jocus! Hansel is led into a cage, and the Witch goes into the house, leaving Gretel frozen in place.

Hansel tells Gretel that he has a plan, and that she should do whatever the Witch tells her to. The Witch returns with a basket of sweets, ordering Hansel to eat. She unfreezes Gretel with another spell — Hocus pocus, elderbush, rigid body loosen, whoosh! — and orders her to go into the house to set the table for supper. Hansel, meanwhile, pretends to be asleep. The Witch gloats over her plan to eat Gretel first by having her look into the oven and pushing her into it, baking her into gingerbread. She gleefully dances with her broomstick (“So hop, hop, hop, galop, lop, lop”). Now the Witch wakes Hansel up to see if he is fat enough. She tells him to put out a finger so she can feel it, but Hansel pokes out a twig instead, and the nearsighted old hag is sorely disappointed at how skinny he is. She calls for Gretel to bring more sweets for him. While the Witch is feeding him, Gretel, seeing the magic stick unattended, grabs it and recites the unfreeze spell.

The Witch suddenly turns to her and asks what she said, but Gretel merely replies that Hansel will never get fat. The Witch stops her mouth with food. As the Witch goes to check the oven, Hansel tells Gretel to be careful. The Witch calls Gretel over and asks her to look in the oven to see if the gingerbread is done yet. Gretel pretends not to understand, and asks the Witch to show her how. Annoyed, the Witch sticks her head in. Hansel, meanwhile, has crept out of the cage, and he and Gretel shove the Witch into the oven and bang the door shut. They dance with joy at the Witch’s destruction. Hansel rushes into the house and comes out again with all sorts of delicious food. Then the oven explodes, and the gingerbread figures around the house are suddenly transformed into real children, frozen in place with their eyes closed. The children ask Hansel and Gretel to touch them to open their eyes. Then Hansel grabs the magic stick, recites the unfreeze spell, and the children are free. They joyfully thank Hansel and Gretel and dance with them.

Now Peter is heard in the distance sadly calling for Hansel and Gretel. When he and Gertrude arrive, Hansel and Gretel rush into their arms. The other children take the Witch, now a huge gingerbread cookie, out of the oven. Everyone thanks God and dances triumphantly. ©1998 Linda Cantoni Hansel and Gretel with Music from the Opera | Storynory Hansel and Gretel with Music from the Opera Download 00:00 / 00:00 This Christmas (2012), our extra special production brings you a delightful introduction to opera. Our production of Hansel and Gretel is specially crafted for children but anyone who loves music will enjoy it. The opera of Hansel and Gretel by the German composer, Englebert Humperdinck (1854 -1921) is traditionally performed at Christmas. The celebration of sweets and food makes a seasonal delight. Or course, if you know the story, you will realise that the section with the witch is spooky enough to listen to at Halloween too. We have adapted Humperdinck’s opera to bring you the most charming and catchy tunes, with spoken narration and acting in between.

But make no mistake, the singing is real opera – be prepared to be thrilled and amazed. Cast: Witch / mother Elizabeth Donnelly Narrator : Richard Scott Music by Englebert Humperdinck, played arranged and produced for Storynory by Joe Davison of Auburn Jam . Additional instruments (flute, oboe, ukulele) by Nikki Davison. Original libretto by Adelheid Wette (Humperdinck’s sister). Storynory would like to thank Lewis Reynolds for allowing us to use his translation of the words for the songs. Dialogue by Bertie drawing freely from the verse translation of Constance Bache for the witch’s speeches. The original story was of course written by the Brothers Grimm one of our first story productions. Proofread by Claire Deakin. The original pictures for Stornory are by CaiJia Eng who illustrates Katie the Witch for us. More pictures for Hansel and Gretel will be coming very soon. NARRATOR Long ago, in a cottage on the edge of a dark wood, two children were busy doing boring jobs. Hansel was making a broom for their father to sell. Gretel was patching up the holes in some old socks.

Both were hungry, but they tried not to think about their empty stomachs. As they worked, Gretel sang a simple song. GRETEL sings Suzie pretty Suzie, what’s that in the straw? The geese are running barefoot and they can’t find their shoes! The cob-bler who made them can’t make any more, Has-n’t got the lea-ther that he needs to use. HANSEL He-y diddle diddle, I’m so un-derfed. Who’ll give me fif-ty, For some jam and some bread? I could sell my bed and sleep on the straw. Oh the hun-ger is biting, Then I won’t be bitten by fleas a-ny more. If only our mother would come home at last. GRETEL Oh yes, I need to eat something pretty fast HANSEL For weeks; dry bread without a break. I can’t take more of this tummy ache. GRETEL Shush Hansel, think about what Father says when Mother blubbers and dis-mays When there’s trouble to withstand God will lend a hel—ping hand HANSEL speaks Oh Gretel, I wish I had something to eat.

Your song makes me feel all the more hungry. I can’t remember the last time we had anything but rough old bread. GRETEL Well I’ve got a secret. Tonight, we shall have rice pudding! HANSEL Rice Pudding! Don’t torture me with your fibs! You know how I love rice pudding! GRETEL It’s true, it’s true! A lady in the village took pity on us. She filled mother’s empty jug with milk. Look up! There it is on the top shelf. HANSEL Wow! Milk! Has it got the cream on it? I’ll climb up and stick my thumb in. GRETEL You’ll do no such thing. But isn’t it wonderful? I can’t work any more – I’m dreaming of rice pudding. HANSEL I’m so happy. Come on Brother dance with me! HANSEL I don’t dance with little soppy girls. DANCING SONG Little boy come dance with me. Put your hands where I can see; One by here, one by there, Round you go without a care. HANSEL Little Girl I’m not so sure, I’ll just end up on the floor.

Will you show me what to do, So that I can dance like you? GRETEL With your foot you tap tap tap, with your hand you clap clap clap. One by here, one by there, Round you go without a care. HANSEL With my foot I tap tap tap, With my hand I clap clap clap. One by here, one by there, Round without a care. Hey no joking, I’m impressed! That’s not something I’d have guessed. Now let’s see you keep that smile, Trying out a harder style. With your head you nick nick nick, With your fingers tick tick tick. One by here, Round you go without a care. HANSEL With my head I nick nick nick, With my fingers tick tick tick. One by here, SHHH! Look busy. Here’s mother. MOTHER What’s all this horsing around? Stop it at once. Playing is for rich kids! We’re too poor. There will be no supper until you finish your work. HANSEL Oh mother, is it true that there will be rice pudding tonight? I’m so hungry.” MOTHER Didn’t you hear what I said? Give me that broom. It’s not half finished.

What have you been doing all this time? Take that, you lazy child! SOUND FX AAAAGH! Don’t hit me! GRETEL Now see what you’ve done! You wicked, wicked children! GRETEL Oh the milk is all over the floor! MOTHER It’s spilt. All spilt. There is nothing for dinner now, nothing – nothing! (bursts into tears) GRETEL Dear mother. Don’t be so upset! MOTHER Silence both of you! Go out to the woods and find strawberries! GRETEL But mother! It’s getting late. It’s the wrong time of year for … MOTHER Do as I say or you’ll be sorry! Out, out of my sight! Why did I ever have children? Just eat and sleep, sleep and eat; play around and break things, make noise, make trouble – that’s all you two are good for. Get out! And don’t come back until your basket is full of berries! Or I’ll whip you both! [BRING UP SOME INCIDENTAL MUSIC] NARRATOR Hansel and Gretel, both down at heart, left the cottage to look for strawberries. They did not hear their mother, inside, quietly praying to herself. MOTHER Dear God.

Help me feed my children. I haven’t got a single crumb for them. They are naughty but I love them with all my heart. I feel so hopeless. Send us some relief from our suffering. [FX: Walking along a path] HANSEL This is silly. How shall we find strawberries? They are not out yet. GRETEL Perhaps the little man of the wood will help us. HANSEL The little man of the wood. GRETEL sings A little man stands silent in the wood, He wears a little cape with a velvet hood. Say what sort of man can be one who stand there, Like a tree in his little purple cape and hood? The little man is balanced up on one leg, He wears a little bonnet up on his head. Say what sort of man can be, One who stand on just one knee, And a little bonnet on his head? And a little bonnet on his head? HANSEL Hey look! I don’t know about your little man, but there’s a little strawberry! GRETEL And where’s there’s one, there’s bound to be more. HANSEL We’re in luck!

NARRATOR The children, in their excitement, left the path and wandered through the bushes, filling their basket with strawberries as they went. There were pretty wild flowers too, which Gretel picked up when she saw them. As the sun was setting, they found themselves in a clearing, and they sat down beneath a fir tree. Gretel began to join the flowers together in a ring. HANSEL You shall crown me The Woodland Queen. HANSEL All hail The Woodland Queen! Let’s celebrate with strawberries! GRETEL Oh go on, just one. HANSEL Cuckoo! NARRATOR Gretel takes a strawberry from the basket and pops it into her brother’s mouth. He sucks on it. It is the most delicious taste in the world, and it is far too good to resist another one. Of course it is not long before the strawberries are all gone. GRETEL Whoops! What naughty children we are! Mother will whip us if we go back with an empty basket. HANSEL Go back? How shall we go back? It’s almost dark. We can’t see the path. GRETEL Oh! Oh oh oh! What shall we do? HANSEL What can we do?

We must stay here the night. In the morning we’ll pick more berries, and find the path home. GRETEL You’re right. I’m so tired I can feel the Sandman closing my eyelids already. But we mustn’t forget our evening prayers. GRETEL sings When at night I go to bed, Fourteen Angels watch my head; Two are here beside me. When at night I go to bed, Fourteen angels watch my head; Two are here beside me, Two are here to guide me, Two are by my right hand, Two are by my left hand, Two are here to guide me, Two are by my right hand. Two are by my – Two are there to lull me, Two are there to wake me, Two are there to guide me to my left hand, Two are there to lull me, Two are there to wake me, Two to guide to highest heaven paradise, heaven paradise. GRETEL (yawns) Where am I? Is it still a dream? Is this the wood? Why am I here…? Hansel, Hansel, wake up you lazy bones. HANSEL The fourteen angels! They just went rushing by. GRETEL You were dreaming, my silly brother.

HANSEL Oh I must have been… but hold on! Is that a dream? GRETEL What, was that there last night? NARRATOR For now, in the clearing, in a spot that was empty the evening before, stood a cottage. It was no ordinary house – for it was not built of wood or bricks. It was all made of the sweetest, most delicious things! The hedge was gingerbread; the windows glistened with sugar, the roof was Turkish delight! At first it smelled of marzipan and nuts, and the sweetest raisins. And then – oh yes; of hot, yummy, gooey chocolate sauce. You could breath it in, and it made you feel all warm and happy. But as you can imagine, something that looked so tasty had a magical attraction. You just felt like you were being pulled towards it, that you had to reach out and touch it, taste it, devour it … and you knew that you shouldn’t. You knew that you should keep back… but you just couldn’t help yourself. HANSEL Oh Gretel, let’s nibble the garden gate a bit. I’m sure it tastes delicious. GRETEL I don’t think we should.

A house like that must belong to a princess. HANSEL Then she can afford a few crumbs. Hmmm. Yes, the gate does taste SO good! Even better than it looks. I’m going to try the doorknob. It’s made of marzipan. Come on sister, tuck in. When are you going to get a chance to feast like this again? Uh-oh! Hold on. [HOCUS POCUS MUSIC] Who’s that? The princess’s grandma? She looks like a bit of an old hag! GRETEL Hansel. Don’t be so rude! THE WITCH Who’s nibbling at my housekin? HANSEL Who are you, ugly face? GRETEL HANSEL!!! THE WITCH Now darling, that’s not nice. I’m Rosina Dainty-Mouth. Children are dear to me. I so love to eat – I mean – meet them. HANSEL Get back! Don’t come near us! THE WITCH Come little mouse, come into my house. If you think my garden gate tastes nice, wait until you try my cooking. Oh deary-dear, aren’t you hungry? GRETEL Well yes, we are.

Could we take something back for our mother and father? THE WITCH Of course. Come inside. I have rice pudding! GRETEL Rice pudding! I’d love to try some. HANSEL Gretel, don’t go inside… Let’s run. THE WITCH Hocus pocus, witch’s charm! Move not as you fear my arm! Back or forward do not try, Fixed you are by the evil eye! Children watch the magic head, eyes are staring dull as lead. Now you kids, off to bed! GRETEL I suppose I had better do as she says… It’s not good for children to disobey grown ups. THE WITCH (whispering to herself) Yes, Gretel mine How well off you I’ll dine! But Hansel my boy so young, Let me try your thumb. Urchin, you’re a scraggy one. No more meat than a skeleton.. Maiden Gretel! Bring some raisins and almonds sweet. Hansel wants some more to eat! Yes, we’ll soon fatten him up… GRETEL But he can’t move his mouth because of the spell you put on him.

THE WITCH Don’t cry, there’s no matter Cakes will only make him fatter. HANSEL She makes my mouth water- This pretty little daughter. Open up the oven door. Should we bake the cake some more? Carefully look, my little pet, is it ready yet? When in the oven she’s peeping, I’ll be behind her creeping. One little push, bang! Then soon will Gretel be, Just done to a T! GRETEL Uh, I don’t understand what I have to do. WITCH I’m such a goose, I don’t understand. Please show me what to do. WITCH Open the oven, it’s easy HANSEL Then one little push, bang Goes the door, clang! You, not Gretel, then will be Just done to a T! HANSEL Hurrah! Now sing the witch is dead, no more to dread! GRETEL Hurrah, the witch is still! Now we can eat our fill! SHORT SONG Yes, let us happy be dancing so merrily now the old witch is gone, we’ll have no end of fun! Hey! Hurrah, hurrah! The spell is broke and we are free.

We’ll sing and we’ll dance and we’ll shout for glee. Come children all, and form a ring. Join hands together while we sing. Then sing and spring, for cakes and all good things we bring. HANSEL Oh come to me my naughty, darling children. SING When past bearing is our grief, then ’tis heaven will send relief. [Music – lively dance] The Brothers Grimm collected folk stories from German households in the 19th C. Some of their tales have dark under-currents of psychology, others are romantic and amusing. More like this… Storynory Social Follow us on Facebook and Twitter if you are 13 years old or over. Waking Beauty : is she for real? Princess Talia is a brilliant and beautiful student at Westerly College, Oxford. Her snooty manners and extravagant clothes put off many people, but the down-to-earth Sally is drawn to her. What will you make of Princess Talia? Does she have magical powers as some people believe? A print book by Storynory. Buy the book on Amazon etc Storynory Podcast The Brothers Grimm collected folk stories from German households in the 19th C.

Some of their tales have dark under-currents of psychology, others are romantic and amusing. More like this… Leave a Reply horrible singing not good at all. sorry i didn’t like it. ;-( julia — December 1, 2012 Dear Julia, I am sorry you did not like it. But thank you for your comment, because we need all opinions, and it’s true that opera is not for everybody. I really hope that others do like it – we have put SOOOO MUCH into this. Maybe listen again sometime. Really, it’s beautiful.

Bertie — December 1, 2012 you are nice and caring bertie isabel — February 27, 2015 my dear BERTIE you are right preethi — August 19, 2015 Really caring Bertie patrick — November 17, 2015 The song is good, but sometimes they sing songs that isn’t in the story up there Anonymous — December 31, 2015 I like your video but I wan’t your own voice and make up a new one but I want ti like hancel and gretal please ROSIE — May 6, 2016 It was awesome and somewhat scary. Also can you please make a video to go with it. Awesome voices and singing. Taylor — August 25, 2016 your right julia it was bad Bertie — November 14, 2016 I thought it was horrendous. This is a terrible story. I can’t believe anyone would like this. Sarahiella — December 7, 2016 Beauifull I love the singing can you do some more stories like this. Thank You!!!

Lucy — December 1, 2012 Dear Lucy I’m so pleased that you like it. We loved doing this, and we are trying to think of another opera that we could adapt. The good thing about this is that we could do Hansel and Gretel with two singers. We can’t yet afford a cast of thousands. Bertie — December 1, 2012 I know there singing is good really bad…………………………………..(really good singing) hotcakes — March 10, 2015 It is amazing. I love it. josua — December 1, 2012 Thank you Josua. I’m really pleased that you like it. Bertie — December 1, 2012 I loved it. they sing so pretty….. more than pretty. mr. bertie your amazing thank you for making this Jessica j — November 16, 2016 Good,I love it.Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood. Why opera not the kids singing..?

But I kinda like this opera singing thing Jim 100 — February 22, 2016 Well done, Story Nory! We love you! This was beautifully done. Lizzie's mom — December 2, 2012 The singing was wonderful! I LOVE IT! Stella P.S When is the new astropup coming? Stella — December 2, 2012 Gretel was’t singing it was NATASHA! PO — December 2, 2012 Dear Po, Natasha wasn’t in this one, but she is taking a leading role in many of our plans for stories in the near future. Bertie — December 2, 2012 i love it thats amazing storys aljawharah — December 2, 2012 It was BRILLIANT ????

Anonymous — September 1, 2016 I liked the story, but isn’t it supposed to be a wicked stepmother who sends her children out into the woods, and leaves them there, then they wander off and find a cottage with a wicked lady and the brother always sticks out a bone for her to feel, and so she keeps thinking he is so thin. One day, she gets sick of his fibs and cooks him but the girl throws her into the oven, and they come home with jewels and stuff, and the stepmother is gone? I always heard of it that way. Natalie — December 2, 2012 Dear Natalie, The opera does have a slightly different story from the Brothers Grimm version. In the Brothers Grimm story the mother is really wicked and the father is the nice guy. In our story (which follows the opera) the mother is at the end of her tether because of their poverty, but her heart is good really. Bertie — December 2, 2012 Wicked! Rhyming! Opera! Too loud! Brain wave attack! Farmer NPC Villager — December 2, 2012 Thank you Mr. Richard for being the world best narrator!

Farmer NPC Villager — December 2, 2012 not my type sorry Princess Beatrice — December 2, 2012 Some of the songs were good but it was hard to understand the one about the fourteen angles. Overall, it was good. Nila — December 2, 2012 Dear Nila, it might be hard to catch all the words, but we do have the text on the site. The “evening prayer” about the fourteen angels watching over the children as they sleep is the most famous part of the opera. I do think it is beautiful. I also really love the first “song”, Susie little Susie, which I feel is very charming. The Witch’s “Hocus Pocus” which Katie sings, and is very spooky, and atmospheric. Bertie — December 2, 2012 Thanks for clarifying, Bertie! Please write another story like this, I really like operas and ballets. If you could, could you do The Nutcracker, or Swan Lake? I love those types of stories, since I do ballet and figure skating, and I like things that are beautiful.

🙂 Natalie — December 3, 2012 We do have Swan Lake And The Nutcracker I do hope that you enjoy them ! Bertie — December 3, 2012 Love it! I’ve performed the role of Hansel in this opera, and this was a delightful mix of the opera and dialogue. Well done! Eileen — December 3, 2012 Dear Eileen, It’s fantastic to hear from somebody who has performed in Hansel and Gretel. I am really glad that you like our adaptation. Bertie — December 3, 2012 Αγρότης Villager NPC Συμφωνώ μαζί σας! Ιάσονας χάρηty — December 3, 2012 I will post the greek translation shortly. Thank you ! Bertie — December 3, 2012 it’s a really nice story. and i really liked the opera singing. 😀 Afaaf — December 27, 2012 Dear Afaaf – this is one of my favourite stories as I love the music.

It hasn’t been the most popular with the audience. I think some people find the opera singing a bit difficult. I am really pleased you enjoy it ! Bertie — December 28, 2012 I looooooooooove this . The opera was lovely . 😀 😛 <3 <3 <3 Mariyam — December 30, 2012 Love it it is awesome Anonymous — January 3, 2013 I did like it a little but must of it I did not like tanna — January 7, 2013 cool dude. taylor — January 15, 2013 hello i love your story it was instresting but the beat of the rythm was not quite good but your shore a good athur. zina — January 31, 2013 I love the Hocus Pocus song. Kara — February 2, 2013 My 4 year old boy makes me read this story every night before he gets to sleep, he simply loves this story .

I think he will like the opera addon 🙂 Friv — February 7, 2013 i liked but i dont know if the ´pronunciation is american english or britanic english Isabel it’s British English Bertie — February 10, 2013 Drew Steele — February 10, 2013 I looooooooooved the story. Thao Ng — February 11, 2013 Thank for telling the story Natasha. Hey Bertie nice story. Mindy Ng — February 11, 2013 favoret stoory well its not the right story i dont like it nick — February 11, 2013 im jokeing it WAS EPIC dumb — February 12, 2013 this is dumb THE STORY IS EPIC EPIC EPIC EPIC EPIC loved IT:P <3 3<3<3<3<3<3 ralicx — February 12, 2013 Mindy Ng F.

— February 14, 2013 Please reply Bertie please also answer This question onthe story Halloween on the Pouf colin talks to princess betrice so why Dosn’t Colin tell that you got turned into a Frog Mindy Ng F. — February 14, 2013 You are right Mindy, Colin is a really unhelpful Carp and did not mention my predicament. Bertie — February 14, 2013 Sorry if you see the word onthe it is suppose to be the Word on the. Mindy Ng F. — February 14, 2013 Hey Bertie why does the witch want to eat kids Mindy Ng F. — February 14, 2013 Tell Colin this if he does not tell beatrice I eat fish so I maybe eat him Mindy Ng F. — February 14, 2013 Well what I mean is that if he does not tell beatrice that you are a frog I will eat him. Mindy Ng F. — February 14, 2013 Maybe Mindy Ng F.

— February 15, 2013 Tell me how Beatrice is doing Bertie.also please reply Mindy Ng F. — February 15, 2013 Dear Mindy Beatrice set out two dinners on St. Valentine’s Day one for her – and one for her long lost Bertie Bertie — February 15, 2013 Mindy Ng F.

— February 15, 2013 i wish Bertie would change into a prince again lissy — February 15, 2013 OMG I JUST PRINTED OUT THIS AND MADE A PLAY WITH MY BRO AND SIS WE OUR ASUM A 100000 THANKS FROM ,ME,TALLUAH (SIS) , JONAH (BRO) I AM SOOOOOO EXITED I AM GOWING TO DO THIS FOR MY SCHOOL TALENT SHOW I LLLLLLLLLOOOOOVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE LLLLLLOOOOOVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE LLLLLLLOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEEE YOU GIZ I WHISH I COULD HUG YOU , SSSSSCCCCCWWWWWWEEEEEEEEZZZZZZ YOU ARE SOOOOO ASUM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #I THANKS A TONE georgia — February 19, 2013 You know you are a frog Bertie also what does the princess do after her meal with imaginary you at the table. Mindy Ng F.

— February 19, 2013 She goes for a walk with an imaginary me on her arm. Bertie — February 19, 2013 Nano bitch — April 15, 2015 good book excellent. This is my favourite story. vow vow vow!!!!!! Nisha — February 28, 2013 love it. you need to make some more. jesika — February 28, 2013 I wish I can live ln the Candy house Dayanara Herrera — March 5, 2013 Wonderful! But I noticed that the written transcription does’t entirely match the spoken story… For instance, the witche’s song in her first appearence isn’t written at all! As I’d like to use this for my class (I’m a teacher) and I don’t understand everything in the singing parts, would it be possible for you to complete what’s missing? Otherwise, loved the story and ADORE your website! Thank you! the story is tooooooooooo!!! long.

hate the Wicth lol Emman — March 15, 2013 i love this story becaus it is like making my childs amagination and this is helping for more infomation i love this book>3 sarina — March 27, 2013 i really liked the singing sandra — April 2, 2013 nice singing! I loved it! Hansel and Gretel is one of my favrit fairytales! jake — April 2, 2013 BETRIE you are the best singer ever. I never heard just a song before. I just love your stories and songs. PLEASE AWNSER!!! shireesh — April 4, 2013 Dear Shireesh, So glad you like the singing and music. I have to admit that actually the voices belong to our two opera singers, not me. Anyway,do keep listening ! Bertie — April 4, 2013 but anyway I love your stories<3 I would like to ask you a question? who made this song? is it BROTHERS GRIMM? PLEASE AWNSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

shireesh — April 5, 2013 Dear Shireesh, the music was written by the German composer Engelbert Humperdinck Bertie — April 5, 2013 oh, I think it was BROTHERS GRIMM!!! Hi Hi!!!!!!!!!!!! shireesh — April 6, 2013 i love this story and the music emily — April 9, 2013 I like the story right now.

tiemei — August 1, 2013 I never visited the opera, but I love those stranges voices, those two siblings put themselvs in troubles and save themselvs from troubles.by natasha,see you later,,,oh sorry write to you later soumaia — August 2, 2013 Awesome man — August 21, 2013 I……… This book so so so much I think your awesome Natasha and Bertie I listen to your stories whenever I can and I love them Well done and congratulations on so many likes You know I just llllllooooovvvvveeeee reading, it’s my hobby and all-time fav thing and ever since I came to this website I am so pleased with yous Love your no.1 fan cupcake:) 😀 🙂 Please reply! se marvelou which means in french its marvalous hjghug — November 12, 2013 It made me very hungry! Uknown — November 25, 2013 that was a grate story and vary loud.

emily — November 26, 2013 that was awesome you have to listen to it that was so awesome:) faythjacobs — November 26, 2013 I adore this opera, you have made it so involving and enchanting, I love it! Thanks so much:-) I liked it soooooooooooooooooo much. keerthana — December 25, 2013 sweet kitty — December 28, 2013 I really really really LOVED it and every night befor I listen to storynory I listen to this story first. I love the opera in it and I love listening to storynory 🙂 <3 <3 I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<3 Good enough try better next time. Anonymous — February 6, 2014 Very sick but I did not enjoy it Hamza — February 6, 2014 This Christmas (2012), our extra-special production brings you a delightful introduction to opera. Our production of Hansel and Gretel is specially crafted for children but anyone who loves music will enjoy it.

The opera of Hansel and Gretel by the German composer, Englebert Humperdinck (1854 -1921) is traditionally performed at Christmas. The celebration of sweets and food makes a seasonal delight. Or course, if you know the story, you will realise that the section with the witch is spooky enough to listen to at Halloween too. opera — March 20, 2014 Emma B — December 8, 2014 isn’t Hansel suppose to sound like a boy? tyrone — December 17, 2014 can you do more musicals nachos — December 24, 2014 it was not hansel and gretel that was singing it. it was NATASHA! IF YOU THINK IT WAS THE CHILDREN IT WAS NATASHA OK ! lucie — December 30, 2014 Dear Lucy, Natasha has many talents but she is not an opera singer. Bertie — December 30, 2014 lucie — December 30, 2014 Well Bertie, I really loved the story but I didn’t like the opera singing, sorry.

The singing was too high, it would have been better if it was normal, and both were girls singing so I think that if the boy is supposed to sing then get a boy to sing. Sorry to say I didn’t like the singing for I know you put so much effort in it. Kerrie — January 23, 2015 i liked the story it was so good but not the singing sorry judith — January 23, 2015 I loved the singing — December 8, 2016 Boring Jaquell — January 26, 2015 The story was ok i felt like it should have been longer and there was to much singing Ylana — February 2, 2015 I REALLY LOVE THE MUSIC AND SINGING sammantha — February 10, 2015 I love this music sammantha — February 10, 2015 We enjoyed listening to this version of Hansel and Gretel. We particularly enjoyed the singing – we thought it made for a more interesting and enjoyable retelling of the traditional tale.

Class 12 — February 11, 2015 THIS STORY IS TOTALLY AMAZING. WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE HOW ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC THIS CANDY STORY IS!

Natasha — February 17, 2015 i like the music alot ian — February 18, 2015 it was fun and the music great hyunseung and ian — February 18, 2015 you should watch the movie on netflix because its way cooler Diveldog_03 — February 20, 2015 I hit it sooooooooooooooooooooooooo mach I do fgirgiuwhuifvhyueirhfvkerhviufhyerkvcn — February 23, 2015 nice and cool kirsten — February 25, 2015 i loved that story it was awesome and it was the first one i have seen on storynory i so existed to listen toy the other stories and can you maybe make one if you can and i do not mined what it is i just LOVED IT SO SO SO SO MUCH xxx isabel — February 27, 2015 Jana Elizabeth — February 27, 2015 i think it is cool prudence — March 3, 2015 Cool story I really like the singing.

maurice — March 3, 2015 I really liked this story. You must do another story with these people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Zuri — March 4, 2015 I loved the story and the singing Mitchell — December 8, 2016 I love love love love love this story!The opera singing was amazing!Just so you know I love opera music! classified — June 2, 2015 I love your stories they are the best. Keep up the good work ?❤️ Callum o'doneld — June 2, 2015 Hi! I have been listening to your stories since I was 5. I am introducing your stories to my sister Sophie and my friend Ariel. Sophie says she does not understand why the mommy is so nasty. I don’t understand too. Why did she want hate them at first. And then next thing we now she wants them back! Well anyway, Ariel agrees with me and Sophie. Anyway we would like to send another thumbs up!!!!

Your stories are 1000000000000000000000000000000000000% Good! I wish you would make the story about swan lake. I love it. But can you change the end about them dieing? And also the villain kidnapps the princess. Thank u Natasha. You are a great narature. Jennifer s.n. — June 6, 2015 Thanks Jennifer S.N. for listening so faithfully and for introducing our stories to your sister and friend. We do have a story about Swan Lake and in fact we are thinking we might update it later this year with more music Bertie — June 7, 2015 i love it reply please sun girl — March 31, 2016 Dear Bertie, l haven’t ever heard opera. I love this story. It is fantastic!! Eleanor — April 4, 2016 sun girl — April 8, 2016 I like it.

it was good Creighton sandholm — April 14, 2016 good SORRY I JUST DID NOT LIKE IT 🙁 ashton — May 6, 2016 to much singing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dirt bike — May 9, 2016 Wow. You guys edited in Elizabeth PERFECTLY! I could not even tell that the children were not actually acting with her. And she is SUCH an amazing actress! Wow. What a masterpiece. Have you guys thought about doing something like this again? Irelyne — May 12, 2016 Hansel and Gretel, Opera by E. Humperdinck - Prague Opera Tickets - Opera - All Performances Event Dates Hansel and Gretel, Opera by E. Humperdinck A magnificent opera by the German composer Engelbert Humperdinck – with a libretto by his sister, Adelheid Wette, who had asked the composer to write the work – based on the story of the same name by the brothers Grimm.

With the original title of Hänsel und Gretel, it was premiered to great success at the Hoftheater in Weimar (Germany) on 23 December 1893, conducted by Richard Strauss, who had asked to conduct it after being seeing the fascinating score. In this ‘fairy tale opera’, as the composer himself described it, one can appreciate the influence of Wagner, for whom Humperdink worked as an assistant – in the use of a Wagnerian orchestra and of leitmotivs, for instance. Another key feature of the work is the inclusion of themes from German folklore and children’s stories. In this way, the composer merged his love of popular and children’s melodies with dramatic Wagnerian elements, both combining with the opera’s magical plot to such spectacular effect that Hansel and Gretel went on to achieve great popularity in theatres all over the world. This music of this masterpiece is sublime: melodies that develop in a beautifully natural way, descriptive and expressive harmonies, lively rhythms and rich instrumentation.

The main characters would ideally be performed by children, but the demanding nature of these roles (the need to be strong enough to be heard above a Wagnerian orchestra, for instance) means that they are usually performed by two women (mezzosoprano and soprano). The story revolves around a brother and a sister, Hansel and Gretel, who get lost and fall asleep in the forest and who, on waking up, find themselves next to an amazing gingerbread house. But unknown to them, this is the lair of a wicked witch… Let yourself be carried away by this sweet and enchanting story – and Engelbert Humperdinck’s crowning work – on this occasion brought to life at the wonderful Prague State Opera. A Proms Fairy Tale: Humperdinck's 'Hansel and Gretel' : NPR Glyndebourne Opera Chorus Robin Ticciati, conductor Humperdinck's opera is in three acts, and begins with a popular overture introducing many of the score's main themes. ACT ONE finds the children Hansel and Gretel in their modest home. Their father, Peter, makes brooms for a living, and as the action begins the children are alone, working.

Hansel is tying brooms for his dad, while Gretel is knitting. They soon get bored — and hungry. The broom business has suffered lately, and there's not much food around. Hansel and Gretel cheer themselves up with some lively songs and dancing. But when their mother, Gertrud, comes home and finds they're not hard at work, she's angry. While scolding them, she loses her temper and knocks over a precious jug of milk — breaking the jug in the process. Furious, she shoos the children off into the woods, ordering them to pick berries for their supper. Alone, she wonders how she'll keep the family from starving. Then, we hear Peter returning, singing "Tra-la-la" in the distance. When he arrives, Gertrud chastises him for his cheeriness. But before long, they're both in a good mood. Peter has had a successful trip — selling plenty of brooms in the city — and he's brought home a basketful of food. In the midst of their celebration, Peter looks around and wonders where the children are. Gertrud admits that they made her angry, and she sent them off berry picking in the forest of Ilsenstein.

Peter is aghast. Ilsenstein is the home of a witch — the fearsome Knusperhexe, or "Nibble Witch." She's known to steal unsuspecting children, and cook them in her oven! As the first act ends, Peter and Gertrud run off into the woods, hoping to find their kids before the witch does. A wild orchestral interlude known as "The Witch's Ride" leads into ACT TWO. Hansel and Gretel are alone in the woods, cheerfully picking berries. They hear a cuckoo in the trees, and echo its funny song. Playfully, they start eating the berries they've gathered. Before long they're all gone, leaving the children with no choice but to pick more — or else face their angry mother. To make things worse, Hansel and Gretel are lost. They have no idea which way to go to get home, and it's starting to get dark. Then, when the Sandman appears, the children grow sleepy. They settle down for the night, singing the gentle evening prayer.

The act ends with another orchestral passage, the Dream Pantomime, depicting 14 angels who come down from heaven to protect Hansel and Gretel while they sleep. The next morning, as ACT THREE begins, the Dew Fairy arrives to wake the children up. As the sun rises, and the mist clears, we see a house made of gingerbread. (And in the production from London, it's not just a house: It's a multicolored miniature of the production's venue, the Royal Albert Hall.) Hansel and Gretel have had only berries to eat since their mother sent them off into the woods the day before. So, this gingerbread concert hall is too much of a temptation, and they begin to nibble at it. At that, its fearsome owner appears — the Witch of Ilsenstein. The witch tries to convince Hansel and Gretel that she's really a friendly old soul. But the kids seem to know better. So, with a frightening "Hocus Pocus," the witch freezes Hansel and Gretel in their tracks. She intends to fatten Hansel up, to make him tastier to eat.

And she makes Gretel set the table for a meal in which Gretel herself will be the main dish! But Gretel outsmarts her. Using the Witch's own spell, she frees herself, and Hansel, from the magical bonds. When the Witch orders Gretel to peer into the hot oven, Gretel plays dumb and asks for a demonstration. The Witch falls for it, and bends over the oven herself. Hansel and Gretel rush her from behind and push her into the fire; the Witch disappears with a scream. At that, all her spells are broken. The gingerbread figures surrounding the house turn back into the little children they once were and Hansel and Gretel's parents arrive just in time to celebrate the children's freedom, and the Witch's demise. Hänsel und Gretel, opera | Details | AllMusic Hänsel und Gretel, opera google+ Description by Joseph Stevenson The genesis of this opera was unusual and more than a little fortuitous. Humperdinck's sister wanted to put on a show for a family children's party and hit on the idea of dramatizing the Grimm Brothers' tale of Hänsel and Gretel.

She asked her brother if he would write a little music for her project, and he happily provided some musical numbers. The entertainment went off so well that the composer decided to expand what he had written into a three-act opera. He was fortunate also that he sent the completed score to Richard Strauss , who immediately recognized its excellence. Strauss conducted the work's premiere, and it vaulted instantly into fame; within a year there was scarcely an opera house in the entire German-speaking world that had not performed it. The opera was also produced in English in London, and the English company took their production across the Atlantic to New York as early as October 1895. Technically, the work is an intriguing construction according to Wagnerian music drama principles. There are plenty of harmonic and orchestral devices inspired by Wagner , yet Hänsel und Gretel does not make an impression of being at all Wagnerian in terms of solemnity, seriousness, or excessive length. The familiar tale fits well with the musical universe originally developed by the colossus of the Ring cycle to represent a supernatural world. Though the story is elaborated with a few additional characters, it is clearly comprehensible even to young people with no prior exposure to opera.

Hänsel und Gretel is regarded as the leading children's opera in the repertoire. Parts/Movements Suse, Liebe Suse, was Raschelt im Stroh? Brüderchen, komm, tanz' mit mir Himmel! Die Mutter! Doch halt, wo bleiben die Kinder? Wenn sie sich verirrten im Walde dort Eine Hex steinalt... Einn Männlein steht in Walde Gretel, ich weiss den weg nicht mehr! Der kleine Sandmann bin ich Abends will ich schlafen gehn Dream Pantomime Der kleine Taumann heiss' ich Wo bin ich? Wach' ich? Ist es ein traum? Mir ist so wohl, ich weiss nicht wie! Bleib stehn! Bleib stehn! Der Teig ist gar, wir konnen voran machen Auf, wach auf, mein Jüngelchen Knusperwalzer: Juch-Hei! Nun ist die Hexe tot Erlöst! Befreit!

Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel - Charles Mackerras | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel google+ AllMusic Review by Stephen Eddins Hansel und Gretel has probably been performed and recorded in English translation more than any other foreign language opera, due at least in part to widespread efforts to market it as a "starter" opera for children, and therefore make it as user-friendly as possible. Chandos' admirable Opera in English series has produced many landmark English language recordings, including works like Lulu and The Makropulos Case, but with so many fine translated versions of Hansel and Gretel available, this might seem to be the one opera that needn't be tackled. Several things, though, make it a valuable addition to the catalog. Not least is the excellent new translation by David Pountney . It's less literal than traditional versions, but it's clever and poetic, and hearing the opera begin with a verse other than "Susie, little Susie, pray what is the news" is hugely refreshing.

Charles Mackerras ' conducting captures the score's broad romantic sweep, but he doesn't quite pull off the difficult trick of making the children's music sound genuinely playful and spontaneous. Aside from that caveat, his shapely reading and loving attention to detail reveal the score as the jewel that it is. Only Rebecca Evans as Gretel, with a voice that turns shrill in its upper register, falls short of the stellar performances of the rest of the cast. Jennifer Larmore is appealingly warm and exuberant as Hansel. Jane Henschel , as the Witch, makes the character at first funny, then scary, without mugging and without sacrificing beautiful, full tone. Rosalind Plowright and Robert Hayward as the parents offer personable and vocally solid performances. As is unfortunately common in this series, Chandos' engineering overdoes the simulation of theatrical space by fiddling with the volume of different singers' miking. It's extremely distracting to have one singer in an ensemble sound close enough to hug, and the other seem to be standing at the far end of a long hallway, or to have a solo begin at normal volume and then fade to near inaudibility in a misguided attempt to approximate stage movement.

That kind of acoustic vagary can be unavoidable in a live performance, but for a studio recording it would be preferable in most situations just to have the singers lined up and miked at levels that balance with each other and with the orchestra. Is anyone at Chandos listening? Track Listing - Disc 1

Question: Who was the composer of the opera Hansel and Gretel
Answer: Engelbert Humperdink