Ein Walzertraum
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Ein Walzertraum (in English, A Waltz Dream) is an operetta composed by Oscar Straus with a libretto by Leopold Jacobson and Felix Dörmann. It premiered on 3 March 1907 at the Carl-Theater in Vienna. Following the success of the operetta in Vienna, productions of the work were mounted for premieres in New York on 27 January 1908 (adapted by Joseph Herbert) and in London on 28 March 1908 (adapted by Basil Hood, with lyrics by Adrian Ross, starring Gertie Millar and later Lily Elsie).
The success of the operetta exceeded Straus's expectations, and special praise was reserved for the famous waltz theme from Act Two. Straus later arranged various numbers from the operetta and included the graceful main waltz theme into a new concert waltz. The piece made Straus's international reputation, touring internationally after the Vienna, New York and London runs and enjoying many revivals. Cyril Ritchard made his debut at age 19 in the piece in Australia. It was made into a 1931 film entitled The Smiling Lieutenant, starring Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert.
At a coffee house in the Vienna Prater in 1906, the young Jacobson presented Straus with a libretto for Ein Walzertraum. Straus was inspired by the libretto and completed the work within 12 months for its premiere in spring 1907. The original text of the libretto was based on the short story by Hans Müller entitled Buch der Abenteuer.
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[edit] Principal Characters
- Joachim XIII (the Prince of Flausenthurn)
- Princess Helene (the Prince's daughter)
- Count Lothar (the Prince's cousin)
- Lieutenant Niki (Princess' lover)
- Lieutenant Montschi
- Friederike von Insterburg (the chief-lady-in-waiting)
- Wendolin
- Franzi Steingruber (conductor of the ladies' orchestra)
[edit] Plot summary
[edit] Act One
In the fictional state of Rurislavenstein, the scene opens in the glittering and the splendour of the Prunksaal des Schlosses Hall of the Prince of Flausenthurn. Princess Helene and Lieutenant Niki of the Army had earlier became lovers and soon were married in the splendid hall whereupon the father of the Princess, Joachim decided the apparent heir to his throne. In spite of this, Lieutenant Niki appeared to be sceptical of the prospect of being a Prince as it was not financially beneficial nor does it come with the elevated status which he sought. The marriage has also raised a few eyebrows among the courtiers as Niki was just a common soldier and the choice of marriage has been a hasty one. Niki also distanced himself from the Prince's favour when the former acknowledged the hasty marriage and raised suggestions for a separate bedroom from the newly-wed Princess. It also appeared to the dismayed Prince that Lieutenant Niki favours his hometown of Vienna rather than the interests of the State. Lieutenant Niki then chooses to leave the palace secretly with his comrade Lieutenant Montschi for a pleasurable evening in the Beer-Garden. Through this troubled backdrop, a scheming Count Lothar, who is envious of Niki hatches a plan of betrayal.
[edit] Act Two
At the Garten der Wirtschaft, Niki meets Franzi, a ladies' orchestra leader and is attracted to her. Franzi, apparently, has also had her heart won by him just as quickly as her criteria is that only a true Wienerin (Viennese) can do so. By the scheme of Count Lothar, the Prince and Princess Helene was also present at the same venue with the chambermaid Friederike von Insterburg. The Count also has eyes for Franzi, however, she gives him the cold shoulder. By that instance, Princess Helene and Franzi meets and the Princess gladly wants to know the Wienerin who has won her heart. The main waltz theme of the Walzertraum plays and Niki dances with the Princess Helene. Franzi, who watches the entire scene with a broken heart realises that Niki was actually the husband of the Princess.
[edit] Act Three
Back at the Prunksaal des Schlosses Hall, Princess Helen discovers Niki's unhappiness at the marriage. It transpires that Niki longs for the Viennese customs which he grows up with. An immediate change of environment was implemented, including a change of dress code, furniture and even the meals. A new chambermaid schooled in the Viennese customs was also installed to take charge of the domestic matters. Niki, as expected, warms down to the new surroundings which comes close to his heart and soon willingly accepts Princess Helene without restrictions although he clearly misses the pretty Franzi. Franzi, however, wisely renounces her affection for Niki and all ends happily ever after.
[edit] Musical numbers
- Come Join In the Waltz
- The Family's Ancient Tree
- Hail, We Hope It's Male
- A Husband's Love
- I Love and the World Is Mine
- I'd Much Rather Stay Home
- A Lesson In Love
- Life Is Love and Laughter
- Love Cannot Be Bought
- Love's Thoughts
- Oh, Joy, Let Our Song of Gladness Be Heard on Every Side
- Piccolo
- A Soldier Stole Her Heart
- Sweetest Maid of All
- The Trumpets Blare
- Two Is Plenty
- Vienna
- When the Song Of Love Is Heard
