Hugo von Hofmannsthal (1874-1929) started publishing poetry at the early age of seventeen, but increasingly turned to playwriting. He was one of the major representatives of the Young Vienne group that aimed at overcoming Naturalism, the prevailing literary style at the end of the 19th century. Hofmannsthal is best remembered as the librettist for Richard Strauss operas, including Electra, The Woman Without a Shadow, and The Rosenkavalier. In 1912, Hofmannsthal adapted the 15th century morality play Everyman, which has since become a constant feature at the Salzburg Festival, which Hofmannsthal cofounded together with Max Reinhardt, Berta Zuckerkandl and others in 1919. |
