Loreley

Opera by Max Bruch (libretto by E Geibel, originally written for Felix Mendelssohn), first produced in Mannheim, Germany, on 14 June 1863. It tells how Leonore falls in love with Count Otto, unaware of his imminent marriage to the Countess Bertha. When she discovers the deception she sells her soul in exchange for beauty. Otto then rejects Bertha in favour of Leonore, but Bertha dies of grief, Otto then commits suicide, and evil spirits claim Leonore.

Felix Mendelssohn left an unfinished opera on the libretto by Geibel. Only the first-act finale, an Ave Maria, and a chorus of vintners exist.

See also Lurline.