Melodram 'Electra'
Libretto:
Wolfgang Heirbert von Dalberg

From its beginnings in France, the melodrama established itself in the 1770s as an independent form of music drama, with particular success in the German-speaking territories. The newly introduced combination of speech and instrumental music was in keeping with the zeitgeist. Christian Cannabich (1731-1798) himself – at first leader of the orchestra, then director of instrumental music at the court of Elector Carl Theodor – was one of those who engaged with the new form of music drama. Cannabich, who mostly composed symphonies, chamber music and ballet suites, created the stage work Electra in 1781 with a setting of words by Mannheim’s intendant von Dalberg.

Frieder Bernius’s work is recognised and respected worldwide. He is in demand both as conductor and as teacher. The foundation stone for his exceptional career was laid back in 1968 when he established the Kammerchor Stuttgart. The founding of the Barockorchester Stuttgart and the Klassische Philharmonie Stuttgart in 1991 confirmed Fieder Bernius’s stylistic versatility. Whilst the Baroque Orchestra is dedicated to the music of the 18th century played on historical instruments, the Klassische Philharmonie performs works from the 19th to the 21st century on modern instruments. Founded in 2006, the Stuttgart Hofkapelle is a special ensemble for the music of the early 19th century