Schreker: Der Schatzgräber
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- Composer: Franz Schreker (1878-1934)
- Format: Vocal Score
- Instrumentation: Opera
- Work: Der Schatzgräber
- Work Language: German
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.1 x 12.0 inches
- Pages: 300
Description
Der Schatzgräber was regarded as one of the most-performed operas of the Weimar Republic and brought Schreker his greatest success on stage. There is evidence of 385 performances in 50 different cities between its premiere in 1920 and 1932. Branded by the National Socialists as "degenerate", the opera faded into obscurity and only experienced its renaissance towards the end of the 20th century. Schreker wrote the libretto himself, inspired by the encounter with a young girl who sang him folk songs and ballads accompanied by the lute. The immense success on stage must have been helped by the fairy tale character of the text, but it was particularly due to the music: without ever seeming trivial, Schreker's music for the Schatzgräber is plainer and harmonically simpler than in his earlier operas. None of his other operas achieved this level of folksiness. The comparatively transparent orchestral language and the entirely tonal, yet still chromatic harmony was reconciled with even the most conservative minds that were overstrained by the opulent sound of his other operas.
The storyline in the work has a mediaeval fairy tale setting and recounts the tale of an ailing queen whose jewellery has disappeared – the source of her beauty and fertility. Following the advice of his court jester, the worried king employs the travelling singer Elis as a "special investigator", whose magical lute is able to find hidden treasure. Elis and Els meet in an inn. Els, a typical Schreker femme fatale, is paired off by her father, but she dislikes her prospective husband intensely and therefore arranges for him to be murdered by her servant Albi the day before their wedding. Before the deed, however, he has to steal the queen's jewellery as a wedding present. Elis gives Els an emerald necklace that he found in the forest. They fall in love. When Els' bridegroom is found murdered, suspicion falls on Elis. He only avoids execution because the king requires his help in order to track down the queen's jewellery. Elis has no idea that this is the jewellery that he has given Els. in order to prevent Elis finding her with the queen's jewels, Els asks Albi to steal his magical lute. After an intoxicating night together, she gives Elis the jewellery on the condition that he never asks her about how she received it. While Elis is celebrated at the king's court, Albi confesses that he murdered Els' lover and stole the lute. Els is going to be put to death, but the jester reminds the king about his promise. He takes Els as his wife. When she is dying, the jester fetches Elis, who sings a final song for her. She dies in his arms.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Schreker: Der Schatzgräber
