Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
The Austrian Composer's Masterpiece, Operetta 'Die Lustige Witwe'
Operetta Die Lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow) in three acts by Franz Lehár (1870-1948) was an overwhelming success on its first performance giving Lehár international recognition as a composer. The waltz "Lippen schweigen" is such a delight and heart-warming in Act 3. Libretto is by Viktor Léon and Leo Stein based on "L'Attaché de l'Ambassade" by Henri Meilhac. The first performance was in Vienna, Theater an der Wien, December 30, 1905, in German language.
The Merry Widow was an overwhelming success on its first performance that gave Lehár international recognition as a composer. The waltz "Lippen schweigen" is such a delight and heart-warming.
The Main Characters / Roles in Die Lustige Witwe ('The Merry Widow')
- Hanna Glawari, The Merry Widow (soprano)
- Baron Zeta (tenor)
- Prince Danilo (tenor)
- Sylviane (soprano)
- Olga (mezzo)
- Count Camille de Rosillon (tenor)
- Valencienne, wife of Zeta (soprano)
- Chorus Parts: Pontevedrians, Parisians, grisettes.
Plot Summary (Synopsis)
Setting is Paris in the early 20th century.
Act 1.
The Pontevedrian Embassy in Paris.
The Pontevedrian ambassador in Paris, Baron Zeta, gives a party. Camille declares his passion for Valencienne, but reminds him she is Zeta's devoted wife. Everyone awaits the newly widowed, wealthy Hanna Glawari. Zeta urges Danilo to marry Hanna as he wants Hanna's wealth to remain in Pontevedro. Hanna invites everyone to a party in her house.
Prince Danilo arrives. He is actually Hanna's first love but his aristocratic family rejected her then, until Hanna married a rich banker, who later died leaving her huge money. Danilo shows no interest in Hanna and would rather be in Maxim's with enjoyable dinner and Cancan dancers. Meantime, Camille is being nudged by Valencienne to consider marrying Hanna for the sake of their country's financial stability.
Act 2.
At Hanna's House
Hanna entertains her guests in a lavish Pontevedrian style. Zeta is furious to thinking that Danilo is not attending the party, but arrives. Hanna entertains her guests in a lavish Pontevedrian style. Danilo and Hanna dance and reminisce and his old feelings for Hanna returns.
The Pontevedrian government presses Zeta to end the crisis.
Meantime in the garden pavilion, Camille insists on a kiss from Valencienne. Zeta is alerted and by the time he checks the pavilion, Hanna has covered up for Valencienne. Hanna annou
nces her engagement to Camille. In a fit of jealousy, Danilo storms off to Maxim's. Hanna knows that Danilo loves her.
Act 3.
At Maxim's
Valencienne, Sylviane and Olga go to Maxim's to persuade Danilo to marry Hanna. Danilo and Hanna bribe the maitre d'hotel to clear out the restaurant. Hanna admits she has no intention of marrying Camille. Danilo is overjoyed and confesses he loves her.
(This is where that popular romantic waltz was danced by Hanna and Danilo.)
In the finale, all toast and drink to love.
Operettas by Franz Lehár
- Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow), 1905
- Der Graf von Luxemburg (The Count of Luxembourg), 1909
- Zigeunerliebe (Gypsy Love), 1910
- Friderike (Frederica), 1928
- Das Land des Lächelns (The Land of Smiles), 1929
Suggested Recording
The Merry Widow (highlights) with Dame Joan Sutherland in the title role
Sources:
Opera Manual by Nicholas Ivor Martin (Da Capo Press, 1997)
Opera by Alan Riding and L.D. Downer, Dorling Kindersley (2006)
Lehar's The Merry Widow
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