Synopsis

On today’s date in 1938, a new opera by 74-year-old German composer Richard Strauss premiered at the Munich National Theater. It was titled Friedenstag or Peace Day — a rather ironic title, considering that World War II was imminent.

The opera takes place during the Thirty Years War in 17th century Germany. The military commander of a besieged town decides to blow the whole place up rather than surrender and is about to do so when he misinterprets a signal and opens the gates, allowing a peaceful takeover. The surprised commander is reconciled to his enemy, and everyone celebrates their deliverance from the horrors of war.

Hitler did not attend the Munich premiere, and supposedly thought the historical peace following the Thirty Years War a disaster for Germany. But the opera could be interpreted many ways, and, after the “peaceful” takeover of Austria by Nazi Germany, Hitler did in fact attend the Viennese premiere of Peace Day in 1939.

The new opera played in other German opera houses briefly, but after the outbreak of war was quickly dropped. And to this day, depending on whom you ask, Strauss’ ambiguous opera is either a work celebrating peace — or appeasement.

Music Played in Today's Program

Richard Strauss (1864-1949): Friedenstag; Bavarian Radio Symphony; Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor; EMI 56850