Composer

:

Oscar Straus

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:44

"Life is a Dream" is an operetta composed by Oscar Straus, a Viennese composer, in 1932. The operetta premiered on October 26, 1932, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, Austria. The libretto was written by Felix Dörmann and Fritz Grünbaum, based on the play of the same name by Pedro Calderón de la Barca. The operetta is divided into three acts and features a total of 22 musical numbers. The music is characterized by its light and playful melodies, which are reminiscent of Viennese operetta. The operetta also features a number of waltzes, which were popular in Vienna at the time. The story of "Life is a Dream" revolves around the character of Sigismund, a prince who has been imprisoned since birth by his father, King Basilio. The king believes that Sigismund is destined to become a tyrant, and so he keeps him locked up in a tower. However, when the king begins to fear for his own life, he decides to release Sigismund and test his character. The first act of the operetta takes place in the tower where Sigismund has been imprisoned. The second act takes place in the palace, where Sigismund is introduced to court life. The third act takes place in the forest, where Sigismund is forced to confront his destiny. Throughout the operetta, Sigismund struggles to come to terms with his identity and his place in the world. He is torn between his desire for freedom and his fear of becoming a tyrant. Ultimately, he learns that life is a dream and that he must make the most of the time he has. Overall, "Life is a Dream" is a charming and lighthearted operetta that showcases the talents of Oscar Straus. Its playful melodies and witty lyrics make it a joy to listen to, while its timeless themes of identity and destiny continue to resonate with audiences today.

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