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Zaubernacht (Magic Night)

Children's pantomime for solo soprano and chamber orchestra. Scenario by Wladimir Boritsch and Weill.

Work Details

Duration

60 minutes

First Performance

First production: 18 November 1922, Berlin, Franz Ludwig Hörth, dir., George Weller, cond., Mary Zimmermann, chor.
First U.S. production: 27 December 1925, New York, Wladimir Boritsch, dir., Lazar Weiner, cond., Michio Ito, chor.

For information about licensing this work for use, see our online guide

Scenario

The original scenario survives only in skeletal form, but the following will serve as a general guide:

The story begins in the bedroom of a brother and sister after their mother has left for the night. At midnight, the Toy Fairy appears and sings the “Lied der Fee” (Fairy’s Song), which brings all the children’s toys to life. The children awaken, or perhaps dream, and begin to interact with the toys–sometimes in pleasant or humorous ways, sometimes in more frightening ways. After a number of encounters with different toys, the children must contend with characters stepping out of a book of fairy tales, including a witch. When the clock strikes six, the toys and books revert to their inanimate state as the adults return. Directors and choreographers are encouraged to create their own scenarios that are appropriate to the music.

  • Opening
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  • Lied der Fee
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  • Transformation
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  • The Kitchen Stove Enters
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  • The Children Awaken
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  • The Doll's Theme
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  • The Tumbler
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  • Dance (Allegro Molto)
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  • Waltz
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  • Gavotte
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  • A Witch Enters
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  • Return to Normal at Dawn
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  • Cast

    • Singing Roles

      • Solo soprano
  • Instrumentation

    • Flute/piccolo
    • Bassoon
    • Piano
    • Percussion
    • String quintet: 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, Bass

  • Kleine Zaubernachtmusik: Suite from Zaubernacht for Chamber Ensemble 2018

    Conceived and edited by John Baxindine.

    Read More

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