Today : world première of 'Schlagt sie tot!' by Bo Holten in Malmö

Today, the Malmö Opera presents the world première of Schlagt sie tot!, an opera in two acts with a libretto in German by Eva Sommestad Holten.

(c) Agnete Schlichtkrull

Bo Holten has already composed several operas, including Livlægens Besøg (The Visit of the Royal Physician, Copenhagen, March 28, 2009) and Gesualdo Shadows (Copenhagen, November 9, 2014).

The libretto depicts a world of violent change. Our present day, where religion, apocalyptic moods and hard plays are high on the agenda, has clear parallels with Europe 500 years ago. The opera focuses on the dramatic events of the time and puts Luther's theological uprisings in both a human and political perspective. (freely adapted from the Malmö Opera website)

The cast includes baritone Dietrich Henschel (Martin Luther), tenor Thomas Volle (Philip Melanchthon), baritone Jakob Högström (Georg Spalatin / Martin Bucer), bass Reinhard Hagen (Lucas Cranach) and soprano Inger Dam Jensen (Barbara Cranach). Patrik Ringborg conducts the Orchestra, Chorus and Children Chorus of the Malmö Opera. Peter Oskarson directs.

The score is published by Wilhelm Hansen. The libretto and the full score of the 1st act are available for viewing on the Music Sales website.

The required orchestra is the following :

- 3 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 4 clarinets, 3 bassoons ;
- 4 horns in F, 3 trumpets in C, 3 trombones ;
- percussion (2 players), harp ;
- strings.

The performance should last about 2 hours and 30 minutes.