Commission to Philippe Manoury

Philippe Manoury, one of the most important French composers and a pioneer of music with live electronics, is composing a major music-theatrical work for Oper Köln, made possible by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation. Based loosely on Karl Kraus’s drama DIE LETZTEN TAGE DER MENSCHHEIT (THE LAST DAYS OF MANKIND), it tells the story of a permanent war that incessantly engulfs all people and permeates all areas and aspects of life to the point of annihilation.

An heir to the throne is assassinated. Shortly afterwards, the world is engulfed in flames and the ‘last days of mankind’ have dawned. Over 100 years ago, the Austrian writer Karl Kraus chronicled the developments of the First World War and transformed them into a megalomaniacal drama for a theatre in Marsthead: ‘Theatre-goers of this world would not be able to withstand it,’ was his prophecy. In the 220 scenes of his monumental tragedy, Karl Kraus attempts to grasp how suddenly the world can slide into war, as well as the interplay of propaganda, media, religion, education and entrepreneurial greed that fuels the conflagration. Kraus unleashes street conversations, newspaper reports, advertising posters, slogans and discussions on one another like satirical missiles.

Philippe Manoury’s new work will be a large-scale music theatre event for singers, actors, choir, orchestra and live electronics. In the first part, a large compact opera orchestra will play; in the second part, it will be divided into three ensembles: one on stage and two to the right and left of the audience. In addition to an ensemble of 12 singers and actors, a large opera choir sings, as well as a vocal ensemble emerging from it. Philippe Manoury, director Nicolas Stemann and dramaturg Patrick Hahn are jointly responsible for the libretto based on Karl Kraus.

Further information:
oper.koeln

Dates

June 27 & 29, 2025
July 4, 6 & 9, 2025
Oper Köln, Staatenhaus