Composer

:

Franz von Suppé

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1867

"The Jolly Robbers" is an opera composed by Franz von Suppé in 1868. The plot revolves around a group of bandits who have taken over a forest and are terrorizing the local villagers. The leader of the bandits, Count Palatine, is in love with the beautiful Countess Friederike, who is engaged to the Prince of Mantua. The Countess is also loved by the local forester, who is determined to win her heart. The opera premiered on February 10, 1869, at the Carltheater in Vienna, Austria. It was an immediate success and quickly became one of Suppé's most popular works. The opera is divided into three acts and features a number of memorable musical numbers, including the famous overture. The first movement of the opera introduces the bandits and their leader, Count Palatine. The Count is in love with the Countess Friederike and is determined to win her heart. The second movement introduces the Countess and her fiancé, the Prince of Mantua. The Countess is torn between her love for the Count and her duty to marry the Prince. The third movement features the local forester, who is in love with the Countess and is determined to win her heart. He joins forces with the bandits to try and win her love. The fourth movement features a number of comedic scenes as the bandits and the forester try to win the Countess's heart. The fifth movement features a dramatic confrontation between the bandits and the Prince of Mantua. The Prince is determined to capture the bandits and put an end to their reign of terror. The final movement features a happy ending as the Countess chooses the forester over the Prince and the bandits are pardoned for their crimes. Overall, "The Jolly Robbers" is a lively and entertaining opera that showcases Suppé's talent for composing catchy melodies and memorable musical numbers. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved work in the operatic repertoire.

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