Like "The Gypsy Baron," "Die ungarische Hochzeit" is set in mid-18th-century Hungary, and both librettos are based on works by great 19th-century Hungarian writers.
Composition History
Nico Dostal's operetta, "Die ungarische Hochzeit" (The Hungarian Wedding), was considered a "forceps delivery" by the composer and librettist due to difficulties during its creation and premiere.
Composition History
Despite its Hungarian setting, "Die ungarische Hochzeit" was composed during the composer's summer holiday with his family in Semmering, near Vienna, not in Hungary.
Composition History
The premiere of "Die ungarische Hochzeit" was almost cancelled because the tenor scheduled to sing Count Stefan became completely hoarse at the last minute.
Compositional Technique
The operetta features an extensive overture, a rarity in post-1900 operetta productions, with a musical model found in Johann Strauss's "Gypsy Baron" Overture.
Cultural Impact
The overture to "Die ungarische Hochzeit" was once a musical bestseller on radio, in concerts, and in theaters, though it has largely vanished from public awareness today.
Historical Context
"Die ungarische Hochzeit" was premiered on the eve of World War II, far from Hungary and Vienna, making it the last major operetta from the 'silver' era of Viennese operetta.
You might also enjoy...
Pacius: Princess of Cyprus (The) - Incidental Music To the Play by Zacharias Topelius
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, TH 14 (Excerpts Arr. for Brass Septet & Percussion)
Le Martyre de Saint-Sébastien
Orff: Ein Sommernachtstraum
The Soldier's Tale (Narrated by Roger Waters)
Cyrano de Bergerac: L'autre monde, ou les estats & empires de la Lune
