Andreas Hallén (1846−1925)

Valborgsmässa (Walborgsmässa) / Walpurgisnacht

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  • Year of composition: 1902 (according to Sohlmans musiklexikon [a Swedish dictionary of music and musicians], vol. 3, 1976). The score, however, indicate 1900 and the piano reduction 1899 (see below).
  • Work category: Opera
  • Text author: Eugen von Enzberg (1858-1908) [translation by Axel Klinckowström (1867-1936)]
  • First performed: 15 March 1902, the Royal Opera, Stockholm. Contributors: C. F. Lundqvist (Klaus Berger), V. Svärdström (Gertrud), S. Nyblom (Arbogast), A. Sellergren (Pater Kuno), C. Lejström (Kurt von Ilsenstein), P. Lindberg née Frödin, Lizell by marriage (Walborg/Walpurgis), M. Jungstedt, previously Linden by marriage (Rose), L. Edström, Järnefelt by marriage (Gunde), J. Grafström (Allrod), C. A. Söderman (Bödeln [The Executioner]). Conductor: R. Henneberg
  • Duration: Approx. 90-120 min
  • Detailed duration: Notes in parts score: Act I 32 min, Act II 47 min, Act III 33 min

Instrumentation

3*.2*.2.2 / 4.2.3*.1 / timp, perc, 2 hp, org / str
(picc, cor angl, bass tbn [however, the parts material as well as the score for Act III mention 4 tbn, 0 tu]
perc: bass dr, cymb, sn dr, trgl, glsp, bell

Solo voices/choir

Klaus Berger (tenor)
Gertrud (soprano)
Arbogast (tenor)
Pater Kuno (bass)
Kurt von Ilsenstein (baritone)
Walborg (soprano)
Rose (mezzo-soprano)
Gunde (mezzo-soprano)
Allrod (bass)
Bödeln [The … Read more

Location for score and part material

Handwritten orchestra parts at Musik- och teaterbiblioteket. [There is also a handwritten piano reduction titled "Walpurgisnacht" (T-klav Sv. II:1. -"Ä"; undated), but this material is probably … Read more

  • Location autograph: Musik- och teaterbiblioteket
  • Possible call no. and autograph comment: Operor [Operas] W 10 [Film 142:1] (score, text in Swedish) and Sv saml. Operor Klav Swedish collection Operas piano (reduction) - 'Ä' Klav I:1 (piano reduction 'Walpurgisnacht', text in German; dating at the back: 'Stora Frösunda 3 Feb. 1900'), respectively

Description of work

Act I
Introduction [instrumental]: Moderato C minor 4/4 (C)
Curtain (opens).
The great hall in the Ilsenburg town hall. Berger, Gertrud, Patern, Arbogast, Kurt, Bödeln, Rådsherrar, Vakter, Kvinnor, … Read more

Work comment

According to the score, Act I was composed/completed at Stora Frösunda in August, 1900, Act II in Wisby on 27 July 1900, and Act III at Stora Frösunda on 17 September, 1900.
The piano reduction states … Read more

Libretto/text

Act I

(Kvinnor [Women]) Hören vår jämmer, släppen oss in!

(Borgare [Burghers]) Skynden att häxan bränna på bål!

(Berger) Af folket himlens röst förkunnas här!

(Gertrud) Jag ber … Read more