Arabella

Arabella is an opera ("lyric comedy" in 3 acts) by Richard Strauss with libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, their sixth and last common work. It was first performed on July 1, 1933 at the Dresden S?chsisches Staatstheater.

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Act I: in a hotel in Vienna.

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Countess Adelaide has her fortune told. As a result of the Count's gambling addiction, the Waldner family will be ruined unless their daughter Arabella marries a rich man. The Countess thinks that is Count Elemer, a suitor Arabella already rejected long ago. As the Waldners can hardly afford two daughters marrying, Arabella's younger sister Zdenka has to pass for a boy as Zdenko. The fortune-teller goes on to predict that things could turn out badly if the Waldners have another daughter, further reducing Zdenka's hopes of a happy love affair. The younger girl is actually in love with Matteo, a penniless officer who loves Arabella. To prevent him from committing suicide, Zdenka writes him love letters she signs with Arabella's name. Meanwhile, Arabella is wooed by three suitors: Elemer, Dominik and Lamoral, but she has fallen in love at first sight with a stranger she has barely passed in the street. Count Waldner, in dire straits, has written all his friends for financial help, to no avail. Waldner was hopeful for an answer from a Croatian old man, whom he had even sent a portrait of Arabella, proposing marriage. The Croatian's nephew Mandryka turns up. His uncle is dead and, as his heir, the letter and portrait have passed down to him. He offers to marry Arabella and gives Waldner money. Matteo asks Zdenka when he will receive another letter from Arabella. Zdenka answers that he will have one that very evening at the ball.

Richard Strauss: Richard Strauss (June 11, 1864 – September 8, 1949) was a German composer of the late Romantic era, particularly noted for his tone poems and operas. He was also a noted conductor....

Hugo von Hofmannsthal: Hugo von Hofmannsthal (February 1, 1874 - July 15, 1929), was an Austrian novelist, librettist, poet, dramatist, narrator, and essayist....

1933: 1933 was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar)....

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