Opera Background

Hamlet

Marking its world premiere in 1868, Thomas’ last great opera, Hamlet, is well known for its departure from Shakespeare’s great tragedy (probably the most glaring and abrasive change is the ending: Hamlet lives. However, in an alternative version of the final scene, Hamlet kneels by Ophelie's body, kills Claudius, then stabs himself). The composer stays closest to Shakespeare’s tone in the way he constructs the first appearance of the ghost, Hamlet’s confrontation with Gertrude, and the play-within-the-play. And, while this may disappoint Shakespeare aficionados, many critics and much of the public have come to accept the variations within the opera as worthy in their own right. Indeed, the well-drawn characters along with their compelling and engaging arias provide material for performers to show their virtuosity and a “must” for any opera company’s repertoire.

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