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Die Liebe der Danae 1982

July 24 - August 18, 1982

Neither love of gold…

…nor Jupiter’s intrigue can diminish Danae’s love for Midas in Richard Strauss’ glittering opera.

Music By
Richard Strauss
Libretto By
Joseph Gregor, from a sketch by Hugo von Hofmannsthal

Synopsis

Act I

The throne room of King Pollux is shabby. Only part of the golden throne remains. One can see the former splendor, but now creditors besiege the hall, demanding payment. The King appears. To pacify them, he announces that his daughter, Danae will soon marry Midas, the richest man in the world. His four beautiful nieces and their husbands, the Kings of the Islands, have searched for a husband for her. Unmoved, the creditors plunder what is left of the throne.

In Danae’s bedchamber, she awakes from a dream of gold. Xanthe, her maid, listens to her description of how gold rained upon her. Danae’s dream was so real she is overcome with the sensation of gold. Trumpets sound to announce a new suitor. But Danae tells Xanthe she will only accept the man who can bring gold.

The King, his councilors and creditors wait in a hall of the palace for the return of emissaries announcing the suitor. When they enter, it is to tell of Midas, whose touch has turned even Danae’s portrait into gold. He has sent a golden garland for her. A cry is heard-” A ship of gold!” – and all rush to the harbor to greet Midas. But Danae holds back. It is all so much like her dream.

Midas enters, dressed as Chrysopher, Midas’ companion. Something immediately passes between them. Danae cannot hide her disappointment that he is not her suitor. For his part, Midas is reluctant to continue the pretense. In the harbor, Jupiter arrives as Midas, dressed in gold raiment. Danae recognizes him as the figure in her golden dreams. But can he be the master of her love? In confusion, she faints.

Act II

In the bridal chamber, Pollux’s nieces, the Four Queens, prepare the nuptial bed. Jupiter enters, resplendent in gold. He has been lover to each of the queens, each time in disguise-as a cloud, a bull, a swan, and a warrior. But, for Danae, removing the guise of gold, he takes the form of a man. To appease their jealousy, he explains that Danae’s disdain for men has aroused his love and Juno’s suspicions. Her punishments for his mortal attachments grow ever more severe; thus the double-deception with Midas. They praise his cunning and renew their attempts to seduce him. But, when Midas enters, they depart.

Jupiter has jealous fear of Midas’ attractiveness to Danae. He reminds him of their bargain. Midas has been given the golden-touch on condition that he obey Jupiter’s every command. He is now the richest man on earth; but failing the bargain, he will be returned to his original condition of donkey-driver. On this note of threat, Jupiter leaves. At the sound of Danae’s approach, Midas dons Jupiter’s gold raiment.

Pollux’s nieces are busily informing Danae of her suitor’s wayward affections. But, seeing Midas in Jupiter’s garb, they flee. He woos her by attempting to unravel the exchange of roles. She doesn’t entirely believe or understand his explanation, but her feeling for him is clear. To prove his identity, he transforms the room to gold. Persuaded that he is indeed Midas, she falls into his arms. There is a thunderclap, darkness falls and Danae is transfixed, a golden statue.

Midas curses the golden-touch as Jupiter arrives to claim her. Midas objects that she must return to life only for whom she truly loves. Each makes his offer – Jupiter promises golden dreams and god-like honors, Midas only poverty and love. In a distant voice, she chooses Midas. They disappear and Jupiter is left alone to lament.

Act III

On a road to the East, Danae and Midas awaken in humble attire. She grasps the sacrifice he has made for her, and is content.

In the mountains, Mercury, the jester-god, reports to Jupiter. The episode has caused mirth on Olympus and thrown Pollux’s kingdom into turmoil. He has brought the four Queens who attempt to continue their seduction, now that Danae and Juno are diverted. But remorseful, Jupiter has decided to say farewell to earthly love. His departure, however, is stayed by the arrival of Pollux, followed by his nephews and creditors. They demand satisfaction and, on Mercury’s advice, he showers them with gold. Mercury also recommends that he renew his suit for Danae. In her present condition, how much more compelling will his offer of wealth be?!

In Midas’ hut, Danae sings of her love. Jupiter appears and attempts to rekindle her golden dreams. But she is proof against temptation, and the strength of her love finally forces him to believe in her faithfulness. He tells her the story of Maia, whose love for him brought forth Spring. Recognizing each other’s greatness, Danae and Jupiter offer thanks. He departs and she goes to meet the approaching Midas.

Artists

Ashley Putnam

Ashley Putnam

Soprano

Danae

Dennis Bailey

Tenor

Midas

Victor Braun

Baritone

Jupiter

Mary Jane Johnson headshot

Mary Jane Johnson

Soprano

Xanthe

Ragnar Ulfung headshot

Ragnar Ulfung

Tenor

Pollux

Melanie Helton

Melanie Helton

Soprano

Semele

Ruth Jacobson

Soprano

Europa

Judith Christin headshot

Judith Christin

Mezzo-soprano

Alkmene

Clarity James

Mezzo-soprano

Leda

James Hoback

Tenor

Mercury

John Andreesen

Baritone

First Watchman

Mark Moliterno

Bass

Second Watchman

Greg Ryerson

Bass

Third Watchman

Clifford Williams

Baritone

Fourth Watchman

William Chamberlain

Tenor

First King

Laurence Paxton

Tenor

Second King

David Orcutt

Baritone

Third King

Robert Osborne

Bass

Fourth King

John Crosby headshot

John Crosby

Conductor

Colin Graham headshot

Colin Graham

Director

Rouben Ter-Arutunian

Designer

Scenery & Costumes

Craig Miller headshot

Craig Miller

Lighting Designer

Peter Anastos

Choreographer

Mitchell Krieger

Chorus Master