Reigen (opera)

Reigen is an opera composed by Philippe Boesmans, first performed in Brussels at La Monnaie in 1993. The opera is based on Arthur Schnitzler's controversial play La Ronde (also known as Reigen).

The libretto, also by Luc Bondy, closely follows the structure of Schnitzler's play, which presents a series of ten dialogues, each featuring two characters. These characters are linked in a chain, where one person from each scene engages in a sexual encounter with a person from the next scene, creating a cyclical narrative of desire and social commentary.

Boesmans's score is notable for its use of a diverse range of musical styles, reflecting the different social classes and emotional states of the characters. The opera explores themes of social hierarchy, sexuality, and the superficiality of relationships within turn-of-the-century Vienna. The music incorporates elements of modernism, atonality, and romanticism, creating a complex and often unsettling atmosphere.

The opera is typically performed in a single act, lasting approximately 90 minutes. It requires a cast of ten singers, each representing one of the characters in Schnitzler's play. Reigen has been performed internationally and is considered a significant work in Boesmans's oeuvre, known for its challenging subject matter and sophisticated musical language. Due to its themes, the opera often provokes discussions about morality, social norms, and artistic freedom.