Work of the Week - Paul Hindemith: Sancta Susanna

Ever since it composition in 1921, Paul Hindemith’s one-act opera Sancta Susanna has been one of the 20th century’s most controversial work. A new production directed by John Fulljames and conducted by Bernhard Kontarsky opens at the Opéra de Lyon on 28th January 2012.

Dealing with the conflict between celibacy and lust, the expressionist-influenced work tells the story of Susanna, a pious nun who is advised by her fellow sister Klementia to become aware of her physical desires. Recalling Sister Beata, who was imprisoned as punishment for kissing an image of the crucified Jesus, Sister Klementia realises that her comments have already set events in motion and and the plot unfolds, feeling a mystical rapture, Susanna later rids her clothes and undresses a crucified body of Christ.

Hindemith creates a musical image of the nun's powers and limitations behind the monastery walls. Rigid timbres and monotonous dynamics contrast with Susanna’s awakening which is depicted by far-reaching melodic lines and glittering orchestration.

Reviewing the world premiere in 1922, philosopher Theodore Adorno wrote:

In Sancta Susanna, everything that happened musically is developed from one theme; a theme of emotional power of which pertains not to one individual, nor to one mood, but quite simply to the fundamentally irrational occurrences of this opera.

The Hindemith-Institute has recently published a special issue of its Hindemith Forum magazine for the controversial opera which is free and available from Schott Music on request: infoservice@schott-music.com.

In Lyon performances take place on 28th, 31st January and 5th, 9th February. A semi-staged production by the Berlin Philharmonic will also take place on 22nd and 23rd of April 2012.

• Paul Hindemith - Profile
• Opéra Lyon

photo: Theater Ulm / Jochen Klenk