"Die lustige Witwe" (The Merry Widow) is an operetta composed by Franz Lehár. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Premiere: The operetta premiered at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna on December 30, 1905. It was an immediate success and went on to become one of the most popular operettas of the 20th century.
Librettists: The librettists for "Die lustige Witwe" were Viktor Léon and Leo Stein. The story is based on a comedy play by Henri Meilhac.
Setting: The operetta is set in the fictional Pontevedrian embassy in Paris. The plot revolves around the efforts to keep the wealthy widow, Hanna Glawari, and her fortune in the fictional Balkan country of Pontevedro.
Songs: One of the most famous and enduring songs from "Die lustige Witwe" is the "Vilja-Lied," sung by the character Hanna Glawari. Another well-known piece is the "Merry Widow Waltz."
International Success: The Merry Widow gained international acclaim and was translated into numerous languages. It has been performed worldwide and adapted into various forms, including films and television productions.
Lehár's Masterpiece: "Die lustige Witwe" is often considered Franz Lehár's masterpiece. It showcased his ability to create catchy melodies and capture the spirit of the Belle Époque era.
Film Adaptations: The operetta has been adapted into several films, including a 1934 version starring Jeanette MacDonald and Maurice Chevalier, and a 1952 version featuring Lana Turner and Fernando Lamas.
Operetta Revival: "Die lustige Witwe" experienced a revival in the mid-20th century and continues to be a popular choice for productions by opera companies and musical theaters.
These facts highlight the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Franz Lehár's "Die lustige Witwe."