In this work, which has been performed with great
success in Germany, and was produced in English by the Carl Rosa Company
in 1900, the composer contrived very cleverly to put off the grandiose
manner of his earlier operas. Elaborate as the orchestral part of the
score is, it is never allowed to overpower the voices, and the general
impression of the opera is one of rare simplicity and charm. Goldmark's
later works, 'Die Kriegsgefangene' (1899) and 'Goetz von Berlichingen'
(1902), have been less successful.
Cyrill Kistler (1848-1907) was spoken of some years ago as the man upon
whom Wagner's mantle had fallen, but his recent death has shattered the
hopes founded upon the promise of his early works. 'Kunihild,' a work
dealing with a heroic legend, was produced in 1883. It is a clever
imitation of the Wagnerian manner, except as regards the choruses, which
scarcely rise above the standard of the Liedertafel; but neither at its
production nor at an elaborate revival, which took place at Wuerzburg a
few years ago, did it meet with more than a _succes d'estime_. There
seems to be better work in 'Eulenspiegel,' a comic opera founded upon
Kotzebue's comedy. The music is instinct with genuine humour, and though
but remotely suggesting the methods of Wagner shows complete mastery of
technical resource.
The most important contribution to German opera made during the decade
that followed the death of Wagner was Humperdinck's 'Haensel und Gretel,'
which was produced in December 1893.
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