KNECHT, JUSTIN HEINRICH
Aeolsharfe, oder Der Triumph der Musik und Liebe, Die (The Aeolian Harp, or The Triumph of Music and Love)

  • Justin Heinrich Knecht. Romantische Oper in four acts. 1807–8.
  • Libretto by N. Remmele.
  • First concert performance at Biberach on 18th April 2008.

CHARACTERS

Melillasoprano
Selimtenor
Bullinesoprano
Bullbaritone
Phrynisbass
Hieroclesbass
Lysistenor
Ephrontenor
Mellitasoprano
Susasoprano
Heroldbass

The Aeolians, under King Hierocles, are devoted to the arts. Phrynis has invented the Aeolian harp, declared sacred by the King, and Melilla, the daughter of Phrynis, is to guard the security of the instrument with her life. Selim, a pirate, and heir to the throne of a barbarian kingdom, hears the sound of the harp and sends his men to find out what it is that is so inspiring him to unusual longings. They find the harp and steal it from Melilla, as she dreams of love. Melilla and Selim meet and fall in love. Melilla is brought before a court and sentenced to death, but is rescued by Selim and his men. They intend to take Melilla home with them, but are captured by the Aeolians. The King would pardon them and allow the couple to marry, but Phrynis objects, as Selim is an old enemy of his. All difficulties are resolved by the sound of the Aeolian harp, which brings unity.

Knecht held an established position in the musical life of Biberach, but in 1806 moved to Stuttgart, hoping to find a wider outlet for his abilities. His opera Die Aeolsharfe was written for Stuttgart, but never performed there, and by 1808 Knecht was back again in Biberach. His opera suggests the transition from Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Seraglio), a libretto set by Knecht in 1787, to the Romantic operas of Weber.