Composer

:

Carl Millöcker

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1882

Average_duration

:

52:25

"Der Bettelstudent" is an operetta composed by Carl Millöcker, with a libretto by Friedrich Zell and Richard Genée. The operetta premiered on December 21, 1882, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, Austria. It quickly became one of the most popular operettas of the 19th century and has remained a staple of the operetta repertoire ever since. The plot of "Der Bettelstudent" is set in 18th-century Poland and revolves around the love story of Laura, the daughter of the governor, and Symon, a poor student who pretends to be a beggar to win her heart. The governor has arranged for Laura to marry the wealthy Count Palinska, but she is in love with Symon. To complicate matters, Symon's friend Jan Janicki is also in love with Laura and tries to win her over. The operetta is divided into three acts, each with its own set of musical numbers. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the love triangle between Laura, Symon, and Janicki. The second act takes place at a masquerade ball, where Symon and Janicki both try to win Laura's heart. The third act sees the resolution of the love triangle, as Symon reveals his true identity and wins Laura's hand in marriage. "Der Bettelstudent" is known for its catchy melodies and lively dance numbers, including the famous "Drinking Song" and the "Polish Dance." The music is characterized by its lightness and humor, with a mix of traditional Polish folk music and Viennese operetta style. Overall, "Der Bettelstudent" is a charming and entertaining operetta that has stood the test of time. Its popularity has led to numerous revivals and adaptations, including a 1936 film version and a 1972 television production.

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