Der Prozeß (The Trial) is a German-language opera in two parts, divided into nine scenes, with music by Gottfried von Einem and a libretto by Boris Blacher and Heinz von Cramer [de], based on the posthumously published 1925 novel by Franz Kafka.
He dedicated it to the psychologist and theologian Oskar Pfister, who had been his therapist, and to his former teacher, Karl Christian Jensen.
[2] The opera premiered on 17 August 1953 at the Salzburg Festival, with stage direction by Oscar Fritz Schuh, scene design by Caspar Neher, and Karl Böhm as conductor.
[5] The British premiere, attended by the composer Gottfired Von Einem, took place in May 1973, at Bloomsbury Theatre London, in a production, conducted by Leon Lovett, directed by Fuad Kavur.
Scene 4, Erste Untersuchung – Dachboden (First Examination – attic) Josef K. finds the High Court with difficulty, arriving one hour late.
Scene 5, Der Prügler – Hausflur (The Whipper – basement) Josef K. finds Franz and Willem in a dimly lit room, being subjected to corporal punishment.
Scene 6, Der Advokat – zwei Zimmer (The barrister – two rooms) Josef K.'s uncle, Albert K., brings him to an old solicitor, who enjoys a high reputation.
The composer said that his work, as Kafka's novel, was to express like a parable aspects of the problem of existential guilt, turning to a psychological interpretation of original sin in dialogue ("... das Problem existentieller Schuld, um eine Hinwendung zu einer tiefenpsychologischen und dialogischen Ausdeutung der Erbsünde").
The vocal lines are declamatory, using moderately modern harmony including elements of twelve-tone serialism.
The orchestra consists of three flutes (two doubling piccolos), two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba.