Alban Berg's "Lulu" returns to the Met after a five-year absence in a new production by William Kentridge starring the superb Marlis Petersen.

The Music

Berg's music for "'Lulu' is built on an elaborate technique based on so-called 'rows' of twelve notes to encapsulate ideas and feelings."

According to Metopera.org, the twelve tone system was devised by Arnold Schoenberg and "replaces the traditional theory of harmony of the Classical and Romantic era with a new structure in which all twelve notes within an octave are treated equally."

However, in this opera there are several self-contained passages that recall earlier forms. These pieces include the "Chorale," "Canon," and "Canzonetta." As noted by the Met Opera, "While the music contains no melody in the conventional sense, there are recognizable themes representing characters and relationships, allowing audiences to appreciate this extraordinary score whether or not they're familiar with twelve-tone style."

Berg was unable to complete the third act of the operas as he died. As a result, "Lulu" was first performed as a fragment. The score was completed by the Austrian composer Friedrich Cerha in 1977 after Berg's wife's death.

The History

"Lulu" has been performed 36 times in the history of the Met. The opera premiered with the company on March 18, 1977 with Carole Farley in the title role as well as Donald Gramm as Jack the Ripper and Dr. Schon, and Tatiana Troyanos as Countess Geschwitz. The production was directed by John Dexter and would be used for the next 35 performances.

Subsequent performances have included Teresa Strata's with Franz Mazura. Julia Migenes also snag the role of Lulu and her performance was telecast and later released on DVD.

Catherine Malfitano and Christine Schafer were also among the most acclaimed Lulus at the Met in the '90s and early 2000s.

The last time the work was performed was in 2010 when Petersen took on the role with James Morris as both Jack the Ripper and Dr. Schon, Anne Sofie von Otter as Countess Geschwitz and Michael Schade as both the Painter and the African Prince.

The Production

This year the Met will bring a new production by William Kentridge, who is best known for his work on Shostakovich's "The Nose." The production will include a number of video projections, images and drawings that will capture the title character and her lovers. The idea is for the images are to be fragmented and at the same time fall apart and lose the stability like Lulu herself.

The production will also have an art deco look that will mesh with the images and at the same time allow the sets to change quickly.

The Cast

Marlis Petersen will reprise her acclaimed turn as Lulu. As aforementioned, the soprano performed the role at the Met in 2010 and received high praise. Since then she has performed the role in Munich and is one of the most sought after Lulu's at the moment. Last year she opened the Met in Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro" and was the stand out of the cast.

Susan Graham will make her role debut at Countess Geschwitz. The mezzo is one of the most beloved American classical singers and has sang a number of operas at the Met including "The Merry Widow," "Les Troyans," "The Great Gatsby," "Der Rosenkavalier," "An American Tragedy," and "La Damnation de Faust."

Johan Reuter returns to the Met after a one-year absence. The baritone made his Met debut in "The Makropulos Case" and later performed Richard Strauss' "Die Frau Ohne Schatten." The bass baritone is recognized for his work in Wagner and Strauss and has also performed a number of Puccini and Verdi roles.

Paul Groves returns to the Met after a four-year absence. The tenor has made a name for himself at the Met in roles such as Camille de Rosillon in "The Merry Widow," Pylade in "Iphigénie en Tauride" and Gao Jianli in "The First Emperor."

Franz Grundheber and Daniel Brenna will round out the cast.

James Levine conduct all eight performances with the Nov. 21 being transmitted Live in HD.

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