Karl V.

Sinopsis

Ernst Krenek’s theatrical piece Karl V. consisting completely of twelve-tone series should have premiered at the Vienna State Opera. The political situation in the Vienna of 1933 and the fact that Krenek was despised by the Nazis because of this Jazz opera Jonny spielt auf, prevented the première. It only took place five years later in Prague, however Krenek had already emigrated to the USA. Karl V was the last emperor to hold to the idea of a Christian empire in which the sun never set, although its downfall was always inevitable, for numerous reasons. For the second production of Karl V. in the Nationaltheater, Carlus Padrissa in particular seeks out political power systems that are highly topical, and so very precisely analyses the treatment in the theatrical piece. At the core of the intellectually and linguistically highly qualified libretto, written by the composer himself, Karl V. reflects on his life and makes his confession to a young monk below Titian’s The Last Supper.

Ficha Técnica

Musical Direction: Erik Nielsen
Stage Direction: Carlus Padrissa (La Fura dels Baus)
Dress and video: Lita Cabellut.
Lights: Michael Bauer
Special effects: Thomas Bautenbacher
Colaboration: Esteban Muñoz.
Chorus: Stellario Fagone
Dramaturgy: Benedikt Stampfli

Karl V. Bo Skovhus
Juana seine Mutter: Okka von der Damerau
Eleonore, seine Schwester: Gun-Brit Barkmin
Ferdinand, sein Bruder: Dean Power
Isabella, seine Gattin: Anne Schwanewilms
Juan de Regla, sein Beichtvater: Janus Torp
Francisco Borgia, Jesuit: Scott MacAllister
Pizarro: Kevin Conners
Franz I.: Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke
Frangipani: Kevin Conners
Luther: Michael Kraus
Ein Anhänger Luthers: Dean Power
Sultan Soliman: Peter Lobert
Sein Hofastrolog: Kevin Conners
Erster Geist / Erste Uhr: Mirjam Mesak
Zweiter Geist / Zweite Uhr: Anaïs Mejías
Dritter Geist / Dritte Uhr: Natalia Kutateladze
Vierter Geist / Vierte Uhr: Noa Beinart
Henri Mathys, Papst Clemens, Moritz von Sachsen, Alacron, Alba, Kardinal (Toneinspielung): Mechthild Großmann