Die tote Stadt, Op. 12, is Korngold's third opera, completed in 1920. It consists of three acts. The original source material is the German translation of the novel Bruges-la-Morte by the Belgian poet Georges Rodenbach, and Das Trugbild (The Mirage), a dramatic adaptation of the novel by Rodenbach himself. Based on these, Korngold and his father, Julius Korngold, created the libretto under the pseudonym Paul Schott. The premiere took place simultaneously in two cities, Hamburg and Cologne, on December 4, 1920. Approximately one month later, it was restaged in Vienna and subsequently in various locations, primarily in German-speaking regions, achieving an unprecedented success for a new opera after World War I. It is one of Korngold's representative works, which solidified his reputation, already established through orchestral works such as Sinfonietta, Op. 5 (1913), and two one-act operas (Der Ring des Polykrates, Op. 7 (1914), and Violanta, Op. 8 (1916)).

"Marietta's Song" from Act 1, Scene 5, and "Piero's Song" from Act 2, Scene 3, are also performed independently. Scores available today that include piano are:

• the complete piano-vocal score of the opera
• piano-vocal scores for "Marietta's Song" and "Piero's Song"
• an arrangement of "Marietta's Song" for solo violin
• an arrangement of "Piero's Song" for solo violin or solo cello with piano accompaniment
• furthermore, Große Fantasie (Grand Fantasy), which compiles highlights from the entire opera into a piano solo piece lasting just under 20 minutes
• and Schach Brügge! (To Hell with Bruges!), an arrangement of a part of Act 2, Scene 3, for piano solo.

Synopsis

The setting is Bruges at the end of the 19th century.

Act 1: Paul, who lost his wife Marie at a young age, encounters Marietta, a dancer who bears a striking resemblance to Marie.

Act 2: The devout Paul attempts to find Marie in Marietta, but the difference between his chaste wife and the free-spirited dancer is too great. Paul and Marietta are on the verge of a breakup but reconcile.

Act 3: On the day of the Procession of the Holy Blood, Paul strangles Marietta, who insults him, with a lock of Marie's hair. Paul then comes to his senses, realizes that the tragic events thus far were a dream, and decides to leave the "Dead City."