During their cooperation Strauss and Hofmannsthal were dealing with the subjects of transformation and self-conquest. In this work in the form of a symbolic magic fairytale: The daughter of the powerful spirit prince Keikibad is the wife of the emperor of the south-east islands. To belong to the human world and to save her husband from turning to stone, she has to find a shadow, to be mother. Ready to make any sacrifice, she sets out on her way to the humans.
Opera in three acts by Richard Strauss
Running time 4 hours 40 minutes
Premiere 17 Nov 1996
Staging: Hans Hollmann
Set Design and Costume Design: rosalie
Choir: Matthias Brauer
