Zar und Zimmermann, Albert Lortzing
| Title | Zar und Zimmermann or Die zwei Peter |
| English Title | Tsar and Carpenter |
| Composer | Albert Lortzing |
| Librettists | Albert Lortzing after Le Bourgmestre de Sardam, or Les Deux Pierres, a play by A.H.J. Mélesville, J.T. Merle and E.C. de Boirie |
| Language | German, Dutch translation available |
| Genre | Comic opera in three acts |
| First performance | 22nd December, 1837, Municipal Theatre, Leipzig |
| Time of action | In the summer of 1697 |
| Place of action |
Zaandam in the Netherlands
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| Main parts |
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| Prominence of chorus | Considerable |
| Orchestra | 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani/percussion, strings |
| Special demands | Only a large orchestra will do justice to this work |
| Full score and orchestral parts | Available |
| Level | The choruses are not difficult. Soloists’ parts are a different matter. |
| Length | About 2½ hours. Three acts. |
| Music |
Full operatic splendour. Magnificent choruses, a lovely sextet, amusing duets, a stirring carpenters’ song, the burgomaster’s renowned buffo-aria (O sancta justitia), Châteauneuf’s lyrical song (Lebe wohl, mein flandrisches mädchen), it is all musically highly attractive. Other highlights: the rehearsal scene, in which the citizens try to master the subtleties of a cantata composed by the burgomaster, with varying success, and of course the ever popular clog-dance. |
| Story |
Tsar Peter the Great has taken up residence at Zaandam, Holland, under an assumed name, in order to learn the craft of shipbuilding. Another Russion has found employment at the same yard, Peter Iwanov, a deserter. Soon the rumour of the tsar’s presence reaches the burgomaster, who decides to pay ceremonial homage to the exalted personage. However, he mistakes the deserter for the tsar, which results in a number of complications. In the end the tsar returns to Russia, and Iwanov escapes punishment: instead, he is united with his beloved Marie, the burgomaster’s niece and ward. |
| Costumes | Regional period dress for the chorus. Late 17th century constume for soloists. No dress-changes. |
| Note | |
| Pictures | |
| Link | Wikipedia |