Johann Strauss II: The Gypsy Baron
Operetta 'Die Zigeunerbaron' in Three Acts
Die Zigeunerbaron is a three-act operetta composed by Austrian composer Johann Strauss II (October 25, 1825 – June 3, 1899). The libretto is written by Ignatz Schnitzer in German based on "Saffi" by Maurice Jocai. It was premiered in Vienna, Theater an der Wien, on October 24, 1885.
The Gypsy Baron is still performed today. The orchestral pieces are also well recognized, including Schatz-Walzer, op.418 (Treasure Waltz), and the polkas Brautschau, op.417, and Kriegsabenteuer, op.419 (War Adventures).
Cast / Characters
- Ottokar, (tenor)
- Czipra, old gypsy woman (mezzo soprano)
- Carnero, Austrian commissioner of public morals (tenor, baritone or bass)
- Gypsy Baron Sandor Barinkay, (tenor)
- Sáffi, gypsy/princess (soprano)
- Kalman Zsupán, rich pig breeder (baritone)
- Arsena, Zsupan's daughter (soprano)
- Mirabella, Arsena's governess (mezzo soprano)
- Count Peter Homonay, (tenor or baritone)
- Chorus parts, Boatmen, peasants, gypsies, soldiers, citizens of Vienna
Plot Summary / Synopsis
Setting is in Hungary and Vienna in the mid-18th century. Set numbers with recitative and spoken dialogue. Overture. Entr'acte before Acts II and III.
Act I. Barinkay's Ancestral Lands in Hungary
The operetta starts with Ottokar searching for the treasure supposed to be buried by the owner of the estate before he died. Czipra, an old gypsy woman, laughs at his hopeless search and teases him about his love for Arsena. The estate now belongs to Barinkay, son of the late owner of the castle who has come home to claim it. Barinkay and Carnero persuade Czipra and Zsupan to witness the document reinstating Barinkay as owner of the estate. Barinkay proposes to Zsupan's daughter, Arsena, but she refuses to marry anyone less noble than a baron.
Arsena's governess, Mirabella, recognizes Carnero as her long lost husband – and the father of Ottokar. Arsena loves Ottokar and gives her a locket with his picture in it. The gypsies pledge their loyalty to Barinkay and uses this to claim he is noble – a gypsy baron. Barinkay has a change of heart. He now wants to marry the gypsy Sáffi, and not Arsena.
Act II. The Ruins of an Old Castle in a Gorge on the Property
Guided by his dream of Sáffi, Barinkay finds the treasure. The gypsies work at forging Sáffi's documents. Carnero objects that Barinkay's marriage to Sáffi is not legal. When Carnero realizes that Barinkay has found the hidden treasure, he demands it on behalf of the government. Barinkay refuses. Count Homonay, a friend of Barinkay, arrives to recruit for the army. Ottokar volunteers, and Zsupan is tricked into joining. Barinkay donates his money to Homonay's cause. Czirpa reveals that Sáffi is in reality a princess and daughter of the last Pasha of Hungary, and not a gypsy. Barinkay despairs. Sáffi's status is now too high above him so he joins the hussars.
Act III. The Gates of Vienna, the "Kätnertor"
Two years passed. The Hungarian army returns victorious. Barinkay is made a baron as reward for his bravery and his father's treasure is returned to him. Barinkay asks for the hand of Arsena, for Ottokar and not for him. Carnero retires as commissioner while Barinkay is reunited with Sáffi.
Operettas by Johann Strauss II
- Die Fledermaus (The Bat), 1874
- Eine Nacht in Venedig (A Night in Venice), 1883
- Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron), 1885
Sources:
Opera, edited by Andras Bátta, Könemann (2000)
The Da Capo Opera Manual by Nicholas Ivor Martin, Da Capo Press, 1997
J Strauss II: The Gypsy Baron
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