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The Coronation of Poppaea

VenueState Opera Unter den Linden
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Synopsis/Details

The Coronation of Poppea

Opera musicale in a prologue and three acts (1642)

Music by Claudio Monteverdi
Libretto by Giovanni Francesco Busenello

 

Duration: approx. 3:45 hrs, including one interval after Act 1

Language: In Italian with German and English surtitles

Recommended age: 16 and above

 

For his final opera, Claudio Monteverdi first drew in 1642 on a subject featuring historically documented figures, thereby creating the first “sex-and-crime story” in opera history. Like a political thriller, this early Baroque masterpiece tells of power, passionate love, and their potential for abuse.

Poppea Sabina, the most beautiful woman in Rome, desires nothing less than to become empress at the side of Emperor Nero. She uses all her seductive powers to persuade Nero to banish his wife Ottavia. When the imperial philosopher Seneca opposes this, he must pay with his life. Meanwhile, Ottavia incites Ottone, who has been rejected and betrayed by Poppea, to murder her power-hungry rival. The assassination attempt is ultimately foiled: Ottavia is banished, and Poppea achieves the goal of her plans, desires, and dreams.

Monteverdi and his librettist Busenello demonstrate at the end of their opera a distinctly bitter view of the world: none of their characters is without flaw. In the end, those who act most ruthlessly are the ones who triumph. At the same time, Monteverdi achieves the remarkable feat of portraying his sometimes caricature-like characters with finely differentiated musical characterization, occasionally exposing them humorously while also repeatedly evoking empathy. His strikingly avant-garde music, with expressive melodies and bold harmonies, seduces the listener into rooting for the adulterers despite their scandalous behavior.

Venue
State Opera Unter den Linden

Staatsoper Unter den Linden is one of Berlin's most prestigious opera houses, with a rich history and significant cultural impact.

 

History:
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden was originally built between 1741 and 1743, under the direction of architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. It was commissioned by Frederick II of Prussia and was initially named the Königliche Oper (Royal Opera). The opera house has undergone several renovations and reconstructions, notably after World War II damage. It reopened in 1984, following a major renovation.

 

Construction:
The original design was characterized by its Baroque style, featuring an elegant façade and a grand entrance. The building was reconstructed in the 1950s and 1980s, maintaining its classical exterior while modernizing the interior. The façade features a classic portico with six Corinthian columns and a prominent central pediment.

 

Interior:
The interior is known for its opulent and classical design. The auditorium is renowned for its acoustics and grandeur, with luxurious velvet seats and elaborate decorations. The stage and seating areas have been updated to meet modern performance standards while preserving historical aesthetics.

 

Concerts and Performances:
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden hosts a variety of performances, including operas, orchestral concerts, and ballet. It is home to the Staatskapelle Berlin, one of Germany's leading orchestras. The opera house is celebrated for its high-quality productions and its role in Berlin’s vibrant cultural scene.

 

JOURNEY

The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has completely barrier-free access due to its excellent public transport connections.

ADDRESS: Unter den Linden 7; 10117 Berlin

SUBURBAN RAILWAY
S+U Friedrichstraße (S1, S2, S5, S7, S25, S75)

 

SUBWAY
Hausvogteiplatz (U2)
Museumsinsel (U5)
Stadtmitte (U2, U6)
Unter den Linden (U5, U6)

 

BUS
Staatsoper (100, 245, 300)
Unter den Linden/Friedrichstraße (100, 147, 245, 300, N6)

 

PARKING
Q-PARK parking garage Unter den Linden/Staatsoper
Bebelplatz, 10117 Berlin
There are five electric charging stations in the parking garage. Further information can be found here.

The underground car park on Bebelplatz offers disabled parking spaces and direct access to the opera house. On entering the car park between 5.30pm and 11.30pm, the maximum parking fee is €7. To use this tariff, enter your parking ticket in one of the pay machines and the message »Theatertarif« will appear on the display. Please note that it is not possible to use the tariff if you enter the car park before 5.30pm. so it will not be shown on the display. TIP: If you pay the theatre tariff at the pay machine before the event, you can avoid unnecessary waiting after the show.

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