Sat. 1 pm. – Wozzeck by Alban Berg. The work is inspired by a play that is as terrifying in its plot as it is revolutionary in its structure, penned by Georg Büchner and based on a true story. Metropolitan Opera Matinee. WRUU – 107.5 is Savannah’s home now for this radio tradition that goes back to 1931. 01/11/2020.
The story takes place in the 19thcentury, in a military town and surrounding area. A soldier, Wozzeck, is humiliated by his Captain, who criticises him for leading an immoral life. Wozzeck and Marie have a son, but they are not married. Wozzeck’s dark and anxious character is accentuated by a fear of dusk, when he often has visions of death and destruction. Marie, who is troubled by these visions, gradually abandons Wozzeck and has an affair with the Drum Major, who seduces her. After bragging to Wozzeck about his “catch”, the Drum Major beats him up. Wozzeck also suffers at the hands of the Doctor, who experiments on him. When Wozzeck goes to find Marie, the young woman is filled with remorse. But he brings her to a pond and stabs her to death. The murder weapon has disappeared. Wozzeck wades into the pond to look for it and drowns, while the Captain and the Doctor, who are passing by, are not moved to rescue him. Marie’s death leaves her son just as indifferent.
