Composer

:

Franz von Suppé

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1866

Average_duration

:

7:03

"Leichte Kavallerie" is an operetta composed by Franz von Suppé, a prolific Austrian composer of light operas and operettas. The operetta was composed in 1866 and premiered on March 21, 1866, at the Carltheater in Vienna, Austria. The libretto was written by Karl Costa and was based on a French vaudeville play by Paul de Kock. The plot of "Leichte Kavallerie" revolves around a love triangle between Lieutenant Otto, a cavalry officer, his fiancée, Marie, and Countess von und zu Liebenstein, a wealthy and beautiful widow. The operetta is set in a small town in Hungary, where the cavalry is stationed. Lieutenant Otto is in love with Marie, but he is also attracted to the Countess, who is known for her beauty and wealth. The Countess, on the other hand, is interested in Lieutenant Otto because of his position in the military, which she believes will help her gain social status. The first movement of the operetta is a lively overture that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement introduces the characters and their relationships, with a duet between Lieutenant Otto and Marie, and a solo by the Countess. The third movement features a comic scene in which the cavalry is called to duty, but they are all too drunk to ride their horses. The fourth movement is a romantic duet between Lieutenant Otto and the Countess, in which they express their feelings for each other. The fifth movement is a lively dance scene, followed by a comic scene in which the cavalry tries to capture a thief. The final movement of the operetta is a happy ending, with Lieutenant Otto realizing that he truly loves Marie and the Countess finding happiness with another man. The music of "Leichte Kavallerie" is characterized by its lively and catchy melodies, which are typical of Suppé's style. The operetta is also known for its use of military themes, such as the sound of bugles and drums, which add to the festive atmosphere of the work. Overall, "Leichte Kavallerie" is a charming and entertaining operetta that showcases Suppé's talent for composing light and catchy music. Its premiere in Vienna was a great success, and it has since become one of Suppé's most popular works, with numerous productions and recordings over the years.

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