Eugen d’Albert (1864 – 1932), the German pianist and composer of English/French/Italian origin, was born in Glasgow and died in Riga (can it get any more multiculti?). He is still  “terra incognita” for most opera-goers.

Of the 20 operas he composed, only one has kept repertoire: ‘Tiefland’, a very verist work from 1903. Occasionally you will still hear some part of ‘Die Tote Augen’, but ‘Der Golem’?

It is listed in reference works, yes, but, to my knowledge, after its 1926 premiere in Frankfurt it was never performed again.

Image by Mitchellnolte

The story is based on an old Jewish legend from Prague..In a few words; Rabbi Löw  creates an artificial man (Golem) from clay, which then takes on a life of its own. Death and destruction ensue and it eventually costs the life of Lea, Löw’s daughter. Too late, the rabbi comes to the realisation that he was never allowed to play God, however good and noble his intentions.

Rabbi Löw’s grave in Prague © Basia Jaworski

Recording(s)

The opera house in Bonn, always up for the unknown repertoire, put it on stage in January 2010 and it was also recorded there live. Bravo

The performance is more than outstanding.
Ingeborg Greiner is a very moving Lea. With her very light, girlish soprano, she manages to evoke our pity. Adolescents, after all! Always in love with the wrong one!

American baritone Mark Morouse (Golem) possesses a very attractive (may I say erotic?) voice, which makes Lea’s passion only logical.

Trailer of the production:

The whole opera (audio)

The music is very recognisable and melodic. Think Mascagni, but in German. Then also add a touch of Richard Strauss and a droplet of Wagner.
Eclectic? Yes, but so very delightful!

The movie, made in 1920:

Eugen D’Albert
Der Golem
Mark Morouse (baritone), Alfred Reiter (bass), Tansel Akzeybek (tenor), Ingeborg Greiner(soprano) and others.
Chor des Theater Bonn (conductor: Sybille Wagner); Beethoven Orchester Bonn conducted by Stefan Blunier
MDG 937 1637-6