A musical tribute to Ludwig II
The legendary Bavarian King Ludwig II is still remembered today as a music lover and as an eccentric dreamer who spared no expense to immortalize his romantic visions. The most remarkable evidence of this was the building spree on which he embarked, of which Neuschwanstein castle — the famed German tourist site that attracts some one and a half million visitors every year — is a product. Considering the king’s passions, it is quite fitting that his life will soon be re-enacted in Bavaria’s first major original musical “Ludwig II — Sehnsucht nach dem Paradies” (Longing for Paradise). In 1864, the 18-year-old prince ascended the throne after the sudden death of his father, Maximillian II. Tall and handsome, he struck a majestic, yet melancholic, figure. Although the people adored him, he eventually began to withdraw from the outside world. He broke off the engagement with his cousin, Sophie of Bavaria — because, it was rumored, he fell unhappily in love with her sister, Empress Sisi of Austria. Such rumors notwithstanding, Ludwig and Sisi were to remain close friends. Although Ludwig was ruler of an influential country in politically turbulent times, he was never interested in politics, but instead in his true passions: literature, theater, the old heroic sagas and opera. He became particularly infatuated with the Romantic operas of Richard Wagner. The composer accepted the young king’s generous financial support, but, as a chum, he was a bitter disappointment. Disillusioned, Ludwig retreated into the dream world of fantastic castles in the Alps, investing even larger sums of money into grandiose building schemes. Fearing the state’s financial ruin, his ministers eventually had Ludwig declared insane and deposed of in 1886. Only a few days later he drowned under mysterious circumstances in Lake Starnberg. To this day, it is unclear whether this was an accident, suicide or murder, but the secret only adds to the legends surrounding King Ludwig II. Ludwig’s life story need not be subjected to embellishment, romanticizing or dramatization to be turned into a poignant musical. It’s all there: a fairy tale king, unrequited love, false friendship, political intrigue and a tragic death. The composer Franz Hummel, who is considered one of the most important champions of serious modern music and who has won international acclaim through his symphonies, operas, chamber music and ballets, has taken on the task of setting the story of this unusual life to music. The long, operatic score recalling the late Romantic period creates a rich pattern of sound made diverse by the inclusion of songs, arias, couplets, polkas, waltzes and even a brass band. New York choreographer John Caraffa is responsible for the dance scenes. In 24 scenes on a large, revolving stage, the musical traces Ludwig’s life, contrasting his dreams and visions with harsh reality. Although it adheres to the facts only roughly, the producers emphasize that “this musical is no history play but a fascinating drama.” Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of this DM 74-million project is that a new theater, the Musical Theater Neuschwanstein, is currently being built on a 45,000-square-meter embankment in Lake Forggen near Füssen to stage the musical. The theater and its surrounding grounds afford stunning views of the Alps and the king’s nearby castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Designed by Josephine Barbarino of Urban Design, Munich, the building is based on the plans of Gottfried Semper for an opera house in Munich, which were drafted for King Ludwig II and Richard Wagner, but never realized. The 1,400 auditorium seats are arranged in the form of an amphitheater. The impressive stage, with a depth of 36 meters, is the second largest revolving stage in Germany. The premises will also feature a restaurant, a beer garden and a bar, as well as backstage tours, a theme store and lush gardens. The musical will premiere on April 7. Tickets are available at (08105) 58 39 44. For more information, see the Website at www.ludwigmusical.de. <<<