Der Traum ein Leben (opera)

Der Traum ein Leben (The Dream is Life) is a three-act opera by the Austrian composer Ignaz Brüll. The libretto was written by Victor Léon, based on the play Der Traum, ein Leben by Franz Grillparzer.

The opera premiered on November 24, 1888, at the Theater Aachen in Aachen, Germany. While initially successful, it did not achieve lasting popularity and is rarely performed today.

The opera tells the story of Rustan, a restless and ambitious young man who dreams of glory and adventure. He imagines himself as a powerful ruler, but his dreams are ultimately shattered, and he learns to appreciate the simple life he had previously rejected. The opera explores themes of ambition, the allure of power, the contrast between dreams and reality, and the ultimate value of contentment and domestic happiness.

The music is generally considered to be melodic and accessible, reflecting the influence of composers such as Giacomo Meyerbeer and perhaps a lighter, more accessible Wagnerian style. While not considered a masterpiece, Der Traum ein Leben provides an example of late 19th-century German romantic opera, contributing to a broader understanding of the operatic landscape of that period. The libretto by Victor Léon, who later went on to be famous for his work with Franz Lehár on The Merry Widow, lends some historical significance to the work.