The German lyrical comedy Arabella in three acts was composed by Richard Strauss (1864-1949). Libretto was written by H. von Hofmannsthal. The opera was first performed at Dresden, on July 1, 1933. The setting is in Vienna (Austria) in 1860.
Arabella is the last of the Strauss-Hofmannsthal opera partnership. The story is about a self-assured young woman, immersed in the social world and unable to make up her mind who among her suitors to marry, and by which romanticism and strength of character are aroused by a stranger. This is another Richard Strauss opportunity to create another lead female role at which he excelled in doing, with great singing parts and lyricism in Straussian manner.
Main Characters in Arabella
- Count Waldner, A retired Major (bass)
- Adelaide, His wife (mezzo-soprano)
- Arabella and Zdenka, His daughters (both sopranos)
- Mandryka, A mysterious foreigner (baritone)
- Matteo, An officer in love with Arabella (tenor)
- Count Elemer, suitor of Arabella (tenor)
- A Fortune-teller (soprano)
Plot Summary / Synopsis
Some performances join the last two acts. In this case, the Prelude to Act III includes the change of scene.
Act I. In the Hotel Residence Where the Waldner Family Lives
Adelaide Waldner is having her fortune told while Zdenka, clothed like a boy, handles visits to tradesmen with unpaid bills. The Waldner family is hard up. Adelaide hopes that her daughter, Arabella, will marry a wealthy suitor. Zdenka, aware of their family's financial situation passes for a boy to save the family from financial ruin and plots to help Matteo win Arabella. But Arabella has fallen for a mysterious foreigner she saw in the street.
Count Waldner explains to his wife that, in order to attract a suitor, he sent a picture of Arabella to a rich old friend. Mandryka, the friend's nephew, suddenly appears. He explains that his uncle has died, so he came to woo Arabella himself. Meanwhile, Arabella has no interest in Count Elemer, a Viennese suitor, but who takes her off to a grand Carnival ball.
Act II. In a Magnificent Public Ballroom
In the grand carnival ball, Arabella's parents introduce her to Mandryka, the mysterious foreigner. As Arabella waltzes with her suitors, Zdenka passes Matteo a room key telling Matteo that it comes from Arabella. Overhearing, Mandryka is outraged.
Act III. The Hotel Residence of the Waldners
Arabella returns to the hotel alone. Matteo is surprised to know that Arabella has no knowledge of any key. Mandryka arrives. Discovering Arabella with Matteo, he threatens to leave Vienna. The whole misunderstanding is revealed by Zdenka, her plot and her true identity as a girl. Zdenka is betrothed to Matteo. Arabella and Mandryka fall into each other's arms, united in a short duet.
Sources:
Morley, Sir Alexander F. Harrap Opera Guide. London: Harrap, 1970
Riding, Alan and L.D. Downer. Opera. London: DK, 2006
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