Die Zaubergeige

Bernd Alois Zimmermann was a gifted arranger. The Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk Köln commissioned a new orchestration of Jacques Offenbach’s Die Zaubergeige from Zimmermann, which he completed during the year 1950, retaining Offenbach’s upbeat, witty style. The humour in Zimmermann’s own works, extraordinary in view of the dark character of many of his later compositions, might have found its original inspiration in Offenbach. It remains unlikely that a production of Die Zaubergeige was ever made. This jewel originating almost 70 years ago is now given its first concertante performance.

The plot revolves around the violinist Martin and his instrument, which seems to possess devellish powers. The orchestral part contains magnificent solo passages for the concertmaster. With its small cast of singers, this is an ideal chamber opera that can be performed in a small or medium-sized orchestral pit.