Composer

:

Franz von Suppé

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1862

"Pique Dame" is an opera composed by Franz von Suppé, which premiered on February 27, 1864, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, Austria. The libretto was written by Friedrich Zell and Richard Genée, based on the short story "The Queen of Spades" by Alexander Pushkin. The plot revolves around the story of Hermann, a young officer in love with Lisa, the granddaughter of an old countess. Hermann becomes obsessed with the countess's secret knowledge of a winning three-card game, which she claims to have learned from the Queen of Spades. Hermann tries to extract the secret from the countess, but she refuses to reveal it. In desperation, Hermann resorts to violence and breaks into the countess's room, where he learns the secret but is caught by the countess and dies of a heart attack. The opera is divided into three acts and features a variety of musical styles, including waltzes, polkas, and marches. The first act introduces the main characters and sets up the conflict between Hermann and the countess. The second act features a ballroom scene, where Hermann tries to seduce Lisa and extract the secret from the countess. The third act is the climax of the opera, where Hermann's obsession leads to his downfall. "Pique Dame" is known for its catchy melodies and lively dance music. The opera was a commercial success and was performed throughout Europe and the United States. It is considered one of Suppé's most popular works and helped establish him as a leading composer of operettas and light operas. Overall, "Pique Dame" is a thrilling and entertaining opera that combines drama, romance, and comedy with Suppé's signature musical style. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring legacy of Suppé's music.

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