Title page from Beethoven’s Opera Fidelio. German Text, with an English Translation

Beethoven’s Opera Fidelio. German Text, with an English Translation

Beethoven was one of the great European classical composers of the first part of the 19th century. He was influenced by the Enlightenment and in his only opera, Fidelio, he addressed the problem of individual liberty in a very moving way.

Key Quotes

Literature & Music

Alas! what darkness dense! What horrid stillness! Here in this dark tomb, is nothing known But my deep anguish! Oh, most cruel torture! Oh, Heavenly Providence, how much longer Will this my misery last! In the bright morning of life My liberty, alas! was lost: These chains are the reward Of true…