مؤلف: Adelheid Wette

Adelheid Wette, though not as widely recognized as a literary figure in her own right, holds a unique place in the pantheon of fairy tale adaptations. She is best known for penning the libretto of “Hänsel and Gretel: A Fairy Opera in Three Acts”, which was transformed into an operatic masterpiece with the evocative music composed by her renowned brother, Engelbert Humperdinck. Wette”s adaptation of the Grimm brothers” tale is noted for its dulcet lyrical quality and its ability to capture the imagination of both children and adults, making it an endearing addition to the operatic canon. First premiered in Weimar on December 23, 1893, the opera quickly secured its position as a beloved staple of the Christmas season, enchanting audiences around the world with its blend of memorable melodies and folkloric charm. Wette”s literary style in the opera is marked by its vivid portrayal of the siblings” journey, a mosaic of innocence, peril, and eventual triumph that resonates with universal themes of familial love and resilience. Her libretto has not only been pivotal in bringing “Hänsel and Gretel” to life on the stage but has also contributed to the sustained relevance of the fairy tale genre in the performing arts.