Richard Strauss - Hugo von Hofmannsthal

This collection features a series of essays exploring themes of anti-feminism and androgyny, with contributions from various scholars. Discussions include the portrayal of women around the turn of the century, the relationship between the Germanist and poet Josef Nadler and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and Richard Strauss's connection to modernity. The essays delve into aestheticism and misogynistic femininity, the complexities of musical characters, and the allure of androgyny in Hofmannsthal's work. Contributors examine the representation of gender in Hofmannsthal's operas, particularly in "Der Rosenkavalier," and analyze the dynamics between men and women in the works of Hofmannsthal and Strauss. The collection also addresses the role of women in the context of myth and psychoanalysis, with a focus on Strauss's operas "Elektra" and "Salome." Further discussions include interpretations of female roles in early 20th-century theater and the significance of traditional gender roles in contemporary settings. The essays collectively highlight the ongoing relevance of these themes in understanding the cultural and artistic landscape shaped by these influential figures.