Der Evangelimann — The Evangelist
Music-drama in two acts by Wilhelm Kienzl; text by the composer after a tale by L.F. Meissner. Produced: Berlin, May 4, 1895.
Characters
| Friedrich Engel | Bass |
| Martha, his niece | Soprano |
| Magdalena, her friend | Alto |
| Johannes Freudhofer, teacher at St. Othmar’s | Baritone |
| Matthias Freudhofer, his brother, actuary in a monastery | Tenor |
| Zitterbart, a tailor and other artisans | Tenor |
Act I. The feelings in the breast of Johannes Freudhofer, the teacher, do not correspond to the peaceful spectacle of the monastery of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Othmar. He is filled with a savage jealousy of his own brother, Matthias, who is actuary in the monastery, because he sees that the affections of Martha, the beautiful niece of Engel, the steward of the monastery, are denied him. He thinks to injure his brother when he betrays the latter’s love to the haughty steward. And the latter actually dismisses Matthias from his office. But with this Johannes has not attained his object. For he himself can spy on them and see the two plighting eternal faithfulness on his secret departure. So the treacherous man resolved upon the complete ruin of the lovers. He sets fire to the monastery. Matthias, who is tarrying in the arbour beside his sweetheart hurries out to get help, but is seized by the other as the incendiary out of revenge.
Act II. Thirty years have elapsed. In the courtyard of a house in Vienna, Magdalena meets an evangelist in whom she recognizes Matthias, the friend of her youth. She herself is here caring for Johannes who is ill. How has Matthias become an evangelist? He tells her his sad history. He had been sentenced to prison for twenty years. When he had finished his punishment he learned that his sweetheart Martha out of grief had sought death in the water. Then he had become a wandering, singing preacher.
Second Part. In the sitting-room, Johannes lies ill. But more than pain disturbs his mind. Then he hears outside the voice of the evangelist. Magdalena must call him in. Without recognizing him Johannes tells his brother of the infamous action through which he had ruined the other’s life. And Matthias not only preaches love but practices it too. He forgives his brother who now can die in peace.