Composer

:

Franz Lehár

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

2:37

Franz Lehár's operetta "Wenn eine schöne Frau befiehlt" was composed in 1932 and premiered on October 15th of the same year at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna. The operetta is divided into three acts and features a libretto by Fritz Löhner-Beda and Alfred Grünwald. The first act opens with a scene in a hotel in the French Riviera, where the wealthy and beautiful Countess Maritza is staying. She is being courted by several suitors, including the charming Baron Koloman Zsupán, who is hoping to win her hand in marriage. However, Maritza is not interested in settling down and instead decides to play a game with her suitors, commanding them to perform various tasks in order to win her favor. The second act takes place in a gypsy camp, where Maritza and her suitors have traveled to attend a festival. Here, Maritza continues to play her game, commanding the suitors to perform various tasks such as dancing with gypsy girls and stealing a kiss from Maritza herself. Meanwhile, a subplot develops involving the gypsy girl Lisa, who is in love with the gypsy leader Tschekko. However, Tschekko is being pursued by the jealous and vengeful gypsy girl Mirabella. The final act takes place back at the hotel, where Maritza's game comes to a head. She finally chooses Baron Zsupán as her suitor, but not before revealing that she was only playing a game all along and has no intention of marrying anyone. The other suitors are left heartbroken, but Maritza and Baron Zsupán ride off into the sunset together. The music of "Wenn eine schöne Frau befiehlt" is typical of Lehár's operettas, featuring lush melodies and catchy tunes. The operetta's most famous song is "Komm, Zigan", a lively and upbeat number sung by the gypsy characters in the second act. The operetta also features several romantic duets and ensemble numbers, as well as a number of comedic songs and scenes. Overall, "Wenn eine schöne Frau befiehlt" is a lighthearted and entertaining operetta that showcases Lehár's talent for creating memorable melodies and charming characters.

More....