Oscar Straus: Ein Walzertraum

As part of the 37th Isny Opera Festival, the festival ensemble will be performing Oscar Straus' "A Waltz Dream" at the Wilhelma Theater this summer.

The operetta is brilliantly orchestrated and full of beautiful melodies, although it is an early work by the composer. However, none of his later operettas came close to achieving such success. The libretto was written by Felix Dörmann and Leopold Jacobson. It is based on the novella "Nux the Prince Consort" from Hans Müller's "Book of Adventures". The work had its world premiere on March 2, 1907 at the Carltheater in Vienna.

The work revolves around the Viennese lieutenant Niki, who is to marry the daughter of a German prince for strategic reasons. However, Niki feels extremely uncomfortable in the German provinces and does not want to be reduced to the role of savior of the principality. So on his wedding night, he runs away and meets a Viennese ladies' band, whose Viennese music and spirited conductor really turn his head ...

Oscar Straus, (*1870 born in Vienna, +1954 in Bad Ischl), is one of the most important composers of the so-called Silver Operetta Era. He was the son of the Jewish banker Leopold Strauss. He changed his surname to Straus to avoid confusion with the Strauss waltz dynasty of the same name. Around the turn of the century, he wrote several successful operettas. He later composed on Broadway and in Hollywood.
He studied music with Max Bruch. According to Oscar Straus, Bruch was "the most conservative of all conservative musicians who ever existed". After his studies, he met Johann Strauss and played his own compositions for him. Johann Strauss is said to have said to him: "Leave the bland symphonies and write smart waltzes. Carry on the tradition of Strauss waltzes."

Musical direction: Hans-Christian Hauser

Following the performance, there will be a get-together with the artists in the Wilhelma Theater studio. Admission is free of charge.