In 1927, Strauss begged his librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal for a second “The Rose Knight” one of the greatest successes of his career, a new romantic comedy in Viennese surroundings.
Very affected by the disappearance of his accomplice shortly after, Richard Strauss completed the composition of Arabella alone, whose decadent, even corrupt, atmosphere is tinged with bitterness: Arabella bears the stigmata of a dark period which has just experienced the advent of Adolf Hitler. The theme of metamorphosis, so dear to Hofmannsthal, underlies the nostalgic libretto into a magical third act. One of the last great popular operas, that Strauss took to the highest level in duets of exceptional beauty.
This production by Christof Loy – who signed Capriccio three seasons ago -, is, as well, the absolute premiere of the opera in Madrid.