| Act I |
The action takes place in 13th century Germany. In the following, it is
important to distinguish "Friedhold" (bass; Guntram's compatriot in a
fraternal order, "The Champions of Love") with "Freihild"
(sop; "The Mother of the Poor", Duke Robert's wife and eventually the
object of Guntram's passion). |
| 08:30 |
Guntram (tenor) and Friedhold (bass), members of the fraternal order "The
Champions of Love" are distributing food to wretched survivors of a
brutally suppressed rebellion against the Duke Robert. Robert's wife, Freihild
(sop), known as "The Mother of the Poor" has been forbidden by her
husband to aid them. |
| 14:45 |
Left alone, Guntram contemplates the beauty of nature, and prays to God to
aid him in softening Duke Robert's heart through song. |
| 22:10 |
Guntram sees Freihild running towards the lake, and intercepts her before
she succeeds in drowning herself. When her father, the old duke, is heard from
offstage, calling her name, Guntram realizes her identity as "The Mother of
the Poor" and begins to fall in love with her. |
| 30:55 |
The old duke arrives, and in thanks for the salvation of his daughter,
grants Guntram's request that the poor be fired from their captivity. A
suspicious Duke Robert grudgingly escorts his wife to the celebration of the
peace.
|
| Act II
|
|
| 01:40 |
Four minstrels sing in celebration of the peace. Guntram is tortured by
his love for Freihild. The old duke invites Guntram to sing. |
| 06:55 |
Guntram sings, accompanying himself on the harp, on the joys of his life
(including veiled refereces to Freihild), ending with a commentary on the horror
of war.
|
| 16:05 |
A messenger rushes in, announcing that war has again erupted. Guntram rages
that there will never be peace as long as Robert rules. Robert draws his sword
and attacks Guntram, who slays him. |
| 18:30 |
The old duke throws himself on his son (Robert's) body, raging at Guntram,
who he orders arrested and prepapred for a gruesome death. |
| 26:15 |
Friehild , left alone save for her husband's jester, realizes her
liberation in Robert's death and admits to herself that she loves Guntram. |
| Act III |
Monks chant prayers for the soul of Guntram. Guntram justifies his actions
as self-defense. |
| 05:30 |
Freihild enters the cell, and she and she sings passionately to Guntram of
her love. Then, Guntram, overcome by guilt begins to flee. |
| 15:00 |
Friedhold appears at the door of the cell, demanding that Guntram submit
himself to the judgement of "The Champions of Love", but Guntram
holds that God speaks directly to him. God has told him what punishment he must
endure for Robert's killing, an act of self-defense that was tainted by his
guilty love for Freihild. Praying God will forgive Guntram, Friedhold leaves. |
| 25:30 |
Feihild rushes to embrace Guntram, who pushes her away. He proclaims that
to expiate his sins, he must forswear Freihild's love forever. Guntram bides
Freihild farewell, wishing that God be with her. |