CONCERT VERSION

Bukolische Tragödie in one act. Libretto by Joseph Gregor. Music by Richard Strauss. First performed on 15 October 1938 at the Staatsoper in Dresden. First performance at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.

This opera, defined as a 'bucolic tragedy' in one act, relates the myth of Daphne, the dryad or tree nymph, who was turned into a laurel by Apollo.  Daphne is depicted as a young, naïve and very beautiful girl who prizes the purity of nature above the world of humans. While the feast of Dionysus is underway, Apollo arrives and is captivated by her. He quarrels with Leukippos, her suitor, and kills him. Daphne is heartbroken and persuades Apollo to turn her into a tree. Strauss's sumptuous orchestration and masterly treatment of the female voice - notably in Daphne’s final monologue - are among the opera’s many great attractions. 

In collaboration with OBC