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 Sächsisches Staatstheater.

Synopsis

Act I: in a hotel in Vienna.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Act II: in a ballroom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Arabella meets Mandryka, who turns out to be her fascinating stranger. Mandryka tells her about his life and his country's customs, in which young women offer their fiancés a glass of water as a token of agreeing to be married. Zdenka gives Matteo the key to the room next to Arabella's, promising she (Arabella) will meet him there. Mandryka overhears this conversation and, mad with jealousy and disappointment, raises a commotion, flirting with the Fiakermilli, the ball's mascot. The Waldners insist that he meet Arabella to talk things out.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Act III: a lobby in the hotel.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Arabella comes across Matteo. As Arabella is in love (with Mandryka) and Matteo is in love too (with Arabella) and thinks he is about to enjoy a private meeting with her, their conversation is at once confused and emotional. The Count and Countess and Mandryka arrive at this moment, helping further the misunderstanding. Zdenka then arrives, undressed, declaring her intention to get drowned. The situation is finally cleared up. Matteo learns that the letters were forged by Zdenka, whom he agrees to marry. Mandryka is left to ruminate his indecorous and boorish behaviour, thinking it has lost him Arabella for his wife. However, Arabella comes down the stairs with a glass of water, signifying reconciliation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~