Siddhartha (Nørgård)

Siddhartha (Nørgård) refers primarily to the opera Siddhartha, composed by Per Nørgård, a prominent Danish composer. The opera, completed in 1979, is based on Hermann Hesse's novel of the same name. Nørgård's Siddhartha explores the spiritual journey of the protagonist, Siddhartha, through various musical styles and techniques, reflecting the diverse experiences and philosophical inquiries central to Hesse's narrative.

The opera is notable for its complex orchestration, its use of serialism alongside more tonal passages, and its integration of Eastern musical influences. The libretto follows the general storyline of Hesse's novel, depicting Siddhartha's search for enlightenment through renunciation, sensual experiences, and ultimately, self-discovery by the river. The themes of suffering, detachment, and the interconnectedness of all things are prevalent throughout the work. Performances of Siddhartha are relatively rare due to the demands of the score and the philosophical depth of the subject matter.