While composing the opera between 18, Beethoven was said to have had a love affair with the widow Josephine von Brunsvik, which one could argue is seen reflected in Fidelio with Leonore’s bold moves to save Florestan from death. He was well underway but as we have learned from history, that doesn’t always translate to automatic success - look at poor Vincent Van Gogh and so many artistic and musical greats from later that same century. 18 string quartets, his first three piano concerti, numerus piano sonatas, including the Moonlight and Waldstein sonatas and was working on his third symphony. By then, Beethoven had already composed his Op.
Twelve years earlier, Schikaneder had supplied Mozart with the libretto to The Magic Flute and created the role of Papageno. It uplifts with an extraordinary hopefulness that is so fitting in this moment.” A L’il Historyĭirector of the Theater an der Wien Emanuel Schikaneder persuaded Ludwig van Beethoven to write his first opera in 1803. Shilvock adds, ” Fidelio has been an anthem to freedom from oppression and isolation for over two centuries. When you consider that Beethoven composed Fidelio in the tailwinds of the French (and American) Revolution, the opera reflects a time when humanity had to deal with the hierarchical oppression and conflict between church and state with all of its challenging vices. How could this piece, over 200 years old, teach us truths not just about humanity but about humanity now? As we emerge from this time of darkness and silence in the world, that is a particularly urgent need.” - Matthew Shilvock, San Francisco Opera General Director When we invited Matthew Ozawa to create a new Fidelio production, it was very much with that aspiration. “It is vitally important to me that the work on our stage reflects our community that we embrace the storytelling power of this space to better understand the world. I love the way San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock described their intentions for Fidelio. Act I takes place in the courtyard of a State Prison whereas Act II begins deep in a subterranean dungeon with the final scene being set on the castle’s parade grounds. The original setting for Fidelio was 18th Century Spain, near Seville and the SF Opera’s latest version of it brings it into the modern world. We’re huge fans of the intoxicating creations that stemmed from old world Europe and this opera (and its location) is a great example of the magic from this era. He feels/senses/hears angels coming to him during a time of fright and despair. Russell Thomas as Florestan in Beethoven’s “Fidelio.” Photo: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera.
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