Der Bettelstudent, Carl Millöcker
Title | Der Bettelstudent |
English Title | The Beggar Student |
Composer | Carl Millöcker |
Librettists | F. Zell (pseudonym of Camillo Walzel) and Richard Genée |
Language | German, Dutch translation available |
Genre | Light opera in 3 acts, 4 scenes |
First performance | 6 December 1882, Theater an der Wien, Vienna |
Time of action | 1704 in the city of Cracow, Poland, during the reign of August II, Elector of Saxony |
Place of action |
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Main parts |
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Prominence of chorus | Chorus very prominent |
Orchestra | 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani/percussion, strings |
Special demands | Stage band required in finale I |
Full score and orchestral parts | Available |
Level | The work is not particularly difficult to perform |
Length | Three acts; total time: about 2½ hours |
Music | One of the most popular works in the German repertoire. Many familiar tunes |
Story |
Colonel Ollendorf takes revenge for a blow Laura Nowalska dealt him with her fan. He gets a penniless student from prison and passes him off as a millionnaire to the old but bankrupt Nowalska family. Thus he almost brings about their downfall, but of course there is a happy ending. |
Costumes |
The opera is often done in Louis XV style (white wigs etc). This is not really right. The historical setting is clearly indicated: Cracow, 1704. The style of the period of Louis XIV would be more correct, with 'allonge' wigs and costumes as seen in a Molière comedy. |
Note | |
Pictures | |
Link | Wikipedia |
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