Work of the Week – Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Die tote Stadt. Symphonic Fragments

By Christopher Peter
17 Feb 2025

A sepia-toned image of composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold wearing a suit. In the background, a blurred conductor leads an orchestra on a concert stage.

An opera becomes an orchestral work: Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s famous opera Die tote Stadt is now being transformed into an orchestral suite. On February 23, 2025, the newly arranged Die tote Stadt. Symphonic Fragments will have its world premiere in Rostock's theatre. The Norddeutsche Philharmonie Rostock, conducted by Marcus Bosch, will perform this new adaptation by Thomas Dorsch.

Erich Wolfgang Korngold: From opera prodigy to Hollywood legend

Korngold was celebrated as a musical prodigy from an early age. He composed Die tote Stadt at just 23, and the opera had its simultaneous premieres in Hamburg and Cologne in 1920 – a rare feat in music history. Later, he became a pioneering figure in Hollywood film music, shaping the orchestral sound of 20th-century cinema.

A fresh take on a masterpiece

The opera Die tote Stadt tells the story of Paul, who struggles to move on after his wife’s death, caught between dream and reality. The new orchestral suite condenses key musical themes and emotions from the opera into a 15-minute concert piece. Thomas Dorsch, known for his orchestral arrangements of Der Rosenkavalier and other works, has skillfully transformed Korngold’s lush orchestration into a purely symphonic experience.

Why should you listen to this suite?

This new adaptation of Die tote Stadt offers a fresh perspective on one of the most important operatic works of the 20th century. The suite retains the opera’s drama and orchestral richness while making it accessible for orchestral concerts. Iconic themes, including the famous aria Glück, das mir verblieb, appear in a new, purely instrumental form.

Korngold’s music is pure emotion – his melodies go straight to the heart. In this new suite, they shine in a fresh symphonic light. – Thomas Dorsch

Experience Die tote Stadt. Symphonic Fragments live!

The world premiere will take place on February 23, 2025, in Rostock. Currently, no further performances are planned – making this a unique event not to be missed!