Die Frau ohne Schatten in Full Score

Since its premiere in 1919, Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman without a Shadow) is widely regarded as Richard Strauss' finest score. This enchanting opera stars a pair of childless couples plus a supporting cast of spirits, secret messengers, and disembodied voices in a dreamlike landscape. Features a libretto by Strauss' frequent collaborator, Hugo von Hofmannsthal.

Customer Reviews:

Die Frau ohne Schatten in Full Score

By Edmund Aldhouse - January 23, 2006

This score is indispensable if you have any sort of interest in what is arguably the most problematic opera in the Strauss canon. Like many other enthusiasts for the Bavarian composer's operas, I have always struggled to come to grips with the structure of his longest opera and to maintain my interest throughout its long and occasionally tortuous span. Whilst having the opportunity to follow it from the score has not yet quite convinced me that it is in the same league as some of his earlier stage works, this edition is invaluable in revealing the fertility of his musical invention and his genius as an orchestrator; the chance to see how he realises some of his most dramatic instrumental effects is enough of a reason to buy this score, and seeing the interaction and development of the various leitmotifs on the page certainly makes the score seem more unified and cohesive than I had previously appreciated.

As ever with Dover, the print quality is excellent and the binding... read more

Die Frau Ohne Gleichen

By Neil R Shaddick - June 7, 2011

I guess I shouldn't be writing a review because I know what Dover full-scores are like, and I know the opera; and both are marvellous. I just love the idea of ordering something you've wanted all your life in about two and a half minutes flat; and getting it by courier, in mint condition, barely two weeks later. As easy as buying a bottle of milk.