Romeo und Julie

Romeo und Julie is a singspiel in three acts by composer Georg Benda. The opera has a German libretto by Friedrich Wilhelm Gotter that is based upon Christian Felix Weiße's translation of William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet.

Gotter's libretto eliminates many of Shakespeare's characters and most of the original play's comedic elements. It does, however, adhere to unities of time and place. Gotter's text, also makes Julie the strongest and most important character in the opera, which is further reflected in Benda's score. Perhaps the most notable change Gotter made was the addition of a lieto fine at the end. In accordance with operatic tradition at that time, Gotter gave his version of Romeo and Juliet a happy ending.

The opera was first performed on September 25, 1776 at the Ekhof-Theater () in the Schloss Friedenstein, Gotha, Germany. The UK première was given in 2007 by Bampton Classical Opera, in English.

Deep rivalry and animosity exists between the Montagues and the Capulets, two noble families of Verona. Romeo Montague sneaks into the Capulet's palace to attend their masked ball in disguise. He meets Julie Capulet and the two fall in love. They decide to get married in the hopes that it will bring the family feud to an end. Friar Laurence, the Capulet family chaplain, marries them in secret. Soon after the wedding a street brawl results in the murder of Romeo’s friend Mercutio. Angry, Romeo attacks and kills his murderer, Tybalt Capulet who is Julie’s cousin. Romeo is banished to Mantua by the Duke of Verona.

Julie is impatiently awaiting for Romeo to meet her in her rooms. She is fearful that he may have already left for exile without seeing her. Julie's friend, Laura, waits with her trying to provide comfort. Julie worries about the motives of her aunt Camilla, whom she suspects is working against Romeo. Julie unkindly suggests that Laura may also be untrustworthy. Laura defends herself and Julie retracts. Romeo arrives soon after telling Julie he must leave for Mantua soon. Juliet is unhappy at the situation and has premonitions of death. Romeo tells her to have hope, but Julie is inconsolable and says it would be better for them to commit suicide together than be apart. Romeo calms her and the arrival of dawn forces them to part.

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