Part 2: Famous Pants Roles

 

Hansel - Hansel and Gretel

Mezzo Soprano
The opera tells the story of two siblings, Hansel and Gretel, who are sent into the woods by their impoverished parents 

to gather strawberries. However, they become lost and find themselves in the clutches of a wicked witch who lives in a 

magical gingerbread house. The witch plans to cook and eat the children but is eventually outsmarted by Hansel and 

Gretel. The opera explores themes of family, resourcefulness, and the triumph of good over evil.

 

One of the most well-known parts of the opera is the famous "Evening Prayer" duet, where Hansel and Gretel seek comfort in a beautiful, serene moment amidst the dark and threatening forest. The opera is often performed around the holiday season and is known for its enchanting music and charming fairy-tale atmosphere.

 

Orpheus - Orpheus and Eurydice
Contralto

The opera begins with Orpheus mourning the death of his wife, Eurydice. His grief is so powerful that Amor, the god of  love, takes pity on him and allows him to journey to the Underworld to rescue Eurydice. 

Orpheus successfully convinces the Furies to let him enter the Underworld, and with his lyre-playing and singing, he softens the hearts of the spirits and even the god of the Underworld, Pluto. He is granted permission to take Eurydice back to the world of the living. However, there's a condition: Orpheus must not look back at Eurydice until they have both reached the upper world.

During their journey, Orpheus cannot resist the urge to look back to make sure Eurydice is following him. This act of disobedience leads to a tragic consequence: Eurydice is immediately sent back to the Underworld. Orpheus is left heartbroken, and the opera concludes with him mourning the loss of his beloved wife.

Gluck's "Orpheus and Eurydice" is known for its beautiful and expressive music, and it marked a significant reform in opera, emphasizing simplicity and emotional sincerity over the elaborate ornamentation prevalent in earlier works.

Octavian - Der Rosenkavalier

Mezzo Soprano

The story unfolds as the Marschallin arranges for Octavian to present a silver rose to Sophie on behalf of Baron Ochs, who intends to marry Sophie. However, as Octavian and Sophie meet, they fall in love with each other, complicating the arranged marriage plans.

The opera explores the complexities of love, societal expectations, and the contrast between youth and maturity. The Marschallin reflects on the transitory nature of life and love, offering a poignant perspective on the passage of time.

"Der Rosenkavalier" is celebrated for its lush and romantic score, with highlights including the famous trio in Act III and the final trio, where the three main characters come to terms with the changes in their lives. 

 

Cupid - Orpheus in the Underworld

Soprano

The story is set in both ancient Greece and the underworld and follows the misadventures of Orpheus and his wife Eurydice. Orpheus is portrayed as a rather unfaithful and indifferent husband, while Eurydice is dissatisfied with their marriage. The gods on Mount Olympus, particularly Jupiter and Pluto, take an interest in the couple's troubles and decide to intervene.

Jupiter tries to seduce Eurydice but is interrupted by public scandals and uproar. Orpheus and Eurydice end up in the underworld, where they encounter various characters, including the infamous underworld residents and gods. In the end, Orpheus and Eurydice find themselves free from their marriage and able to pursue new romantic interests.

One of the most famous parts of "Orpheus in the Underworld" is the lively and well-known "Can-Can" dance, which has become iconic and is often performed independently of the operetta. The operetta is known for its light-hearted and humorous approach, as well as its satirical commentary on contemporary French society and the operatic conventions of the time.

Prince Orlofsky - Die Fledermaus

Mezzo Soprano

The story is set in Vienna during the 19th century and revolves around a complicated web of mistaken identities, disguises, and social satire. The central character is Gabriel von Eisenstein, who is set to serve a brief prison sentence for insulting an official. However, his friend Dr. Falke devises a plan for revenge.

Eisenstein is convinced to attend a grand party at the home of Prince Orlofsky instead of going directly to prison. Unbeknownst to Eisenstein, his wife, Rosalinde, also plans to attend the same party in disguise. This sets the stage for a series of comedic misunderstandings, flirtations, and surprises.

Throughout the operetta, various characters interact at the party, and identities are concealed through masks and costumes. The plot becomes even more intricate when Falke reveals his revenge plan, which involves embarrassing Eisenstein by exposing his extramarital flirtations.

In the end, all the characters find themselves at the jail, where the misunderstandings are finally cleared up. The operetta concludes with a joyful and celebratory finale, emphasizing forgiveness and the spirit of revelry.

"Die Fledermaus" is celebrated for its delightful melodies, including the famous "Champagne Aria" and the lively overture. The operetta remains one of Johann Strauss II's most popular and enduring works, known for its infectious energy and comedic charm.

 

The Kitchen Boy - Rusalka

Mezzo Soprano

The story revolves around Rusalka, a water nymph who falls in love with a human prince. Desiring a human soul and the ability to experience human love, Rusalka consults with the witch Ježibaba. The witch warns her about the risks of becoming human but agrees to grant her wish. However, if Rusalka fails to win the love of the prince and is rejected, both she and the prince will face dire consequences.

Once transformed into a human, Rusalka captures the heart of the prince. However, as their relationship encounters challenges and the prince becomes infatuated with another woman, Rusalka faces the tragic consequences of her choice. The opera explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the clash between the human and supernatural worlds.

The famous aria "Song to the Moon" occurs early in the opera when Rusalka expresses her longing for true love. The opera builds towards a dramatic and emotional conclusion as Rusalka grapples with the consequences of her choices.

Dvořák's "Rusalka" is celebrated for its lush orchestration, lyrical melodies, and the poignant exploration of the human condition. The opera remains one of the most beloved works in the Czech operatic repertoire.