Composer

:

Johann Strauss II

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1874

Publication Date

:

1874

Average_duration

:

10:18

Die Fledermaus is an operetta composed by Johann Strauss II, with a libretto by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée. It premiered on April 5, 1874, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, Austria. The operetta is divided into three acts and is known for its lively and humorous music, as well as its witty dialogue. The first act of Die Fledermaus introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the plot. The story revolves around a wealthy man named Gabriel von Eisenstein, who is about to serve a brief prison sentence for insulting a government official. However, his friend Dr. Falke convinces him to attend a party instead, where he can have one last night of fun before going to jail. Meanwhile, Eisenstein's wife Rosalinde is visited by her former lover, Alfred, who is mistaken for her husband by the prison warden Frank. The second act takes place at the party, where Eisenstein and his friend Dr. Blind are disguised in masks. Eisenstein flirts with a mysterious woman, who turns out to be his own wife Rosalinde in disguise. Meanwhile, Dr. Falke seeks revenge on Eisenstein for a past prank by orchestrating a series of embarrassing situations for him. The act ends with the arrival of the prison warden Frank, who arrests Eisenstein and takes him to jail. The third act takes place in the jail, where Eisenstein is surprised to find his wife and Alfred already there. Dr. Falke reveals his plan to embarrass Eisenstein, and everyone is eventually released from jail. The operetta ends with a joyful celebration of forgiveness and reconciliation. Die Fledermaus is known for its lively and humorous music, which includes waltzes, polkas, and other dance forms. The operetta also features witty dialogue and clever wordplay, which adds to its comedic appeal. Overall, Die Fledermaus is a classic example of Viennese operetta, and remains popular to this day.

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