Invitation to the Opera: Walter Braunfels' Die Vögel (The Birds)

Die Vogel, based on the Aristophanes comedy of the same title, was Braunfels’ third opera and achieved wide popularity in Germany before Braunfels had to flee from the Nazi regime. When two disillusioned humans journey into the realm of Thrushes, Wrens, and Ravens, their ill-advised counsel leads to a reckoning with the gods. With sumptuous melodies that dance through the air evoking the scent of flowers, and radiant arias fitting a Nightingale, this lavish comedic opera begs you to ask yourself – what do you long for?