Biography at a glance: Cardillac centers on the eponymous master goldsmith, whose art and obsession collide with a society that both venerates and questions him. Hindemith’s score blends rigorous musical architecture with expressive, sometimes austere, orchestration characteristic of the era’s Neue Sachlichkeit. The work’s dramatic engine lies in the tension between artistic integrity and public perception, a theme that resonates in today’s cultural conversations.
- Composer: Paul Hindemith
- Opera Type: 1 act cycle, three acts and four scenes
- Librettist: Ferdinand Lion
- Based on: E. T. A. Hoffmann’s Das Fräulein von Scuderi
- Part of Hindemith’s trilogy on the artist and society
Discography highlights: Cardillac has been recorded multiple times, with notable editions from Deutsche Grammophon (1965), Wergo (1988), and BRKlassik (2013). These recordings capture the work’s austere beauty and psychological depth, offering listeners a window into Hindemith’s evolving voice during the 1920s.
Upcoming tour information: Recent and upcoming performances include engagements at Aalto-Musiktheater Essen (December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026) and Opernhaus Zürich (February 15 – March 10, 2026). The performances reflect the opera’s lasting relevance and its capacity to engage contemporary audiences with timeless questions about art, morality, and social dynamics.
For the latest updates, follow the official channels of the presenting houses. If you’re planning your visit, secure your tickets early through your trusted local source—we’ve got you covered with dependable, straightforward access to seats and schedules.
Social media and official links: Cardillac does not maintain a standalone artist page; rely on announcements from the performing houses and Hindemith foundations for authentic information. When available, you can explore official sites and social feeds from the Aalto-Musiktheater Essen and Opernhaus Zürich, which provide program notes, cast lists, and ticketing details.
City context: Cardillac performances are staged by major European opera houses, bringing a German-language work with rich historical and cultural significance to diverse audiences. Whether you’re in North Rhine-Westphalia or Zürich, you’ll find accessible venues with strong orchestra ensembles and thoughtful production design.