Composer

:

Johann Strauss II

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Dance

Compose Date

:

1882

Publication Date

:

1882

Average_duration

:

5:11

Johann Strauss II composed "The Merry War, Op. 402" in 1881. The operetta premiered on November 25, 1881, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, Austria. The operetta consists of three acts and is set in the 18th century. The first act opens with a scene in a small German town where a group of soldiers is stationed. The soldiers are bored and looking for entertainment. They hear about a wealthy widow, Frau von und zu Liebeskind, who is looking for a husband. The soldiers decide to compete for her hand in marriage, and the competition begins. The second act takes place at Frau von und zu Liebeskind's estate. The soldiers continue to compete for her hand, but she is not interested in any of them. She is more interested in her own amusement and decides to play a game with them. She tells them that she will marry the soldier who can make her laugh the most. The third act takes place at a masquerade ball. The soldiers continue to compete for Frau von und zu Liebeskind's hand, but they are also trying to figure out who she really is. They eventually discover that she is not a wealthy widow, but a poor actress who was hired to play the part. The soldiers are disappointed, but they realize that they had a good time competing with each other. "The Merry War, Op. 402" is a lighthearted operetta that showcases Johann Strauss II's talent for composing catchy melodies and lively dance music. The operetta features waltzes, polkas, and marches, as well as vocal solos and ensemble numbers. The music is upbeat and cheerful, reflecting the playful nature of the story. Overall, "The Merry War, Op. 402" is a delightful operetta that is sure to entertain audiences with its charming characters, lively music, and humorous plot.

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