This week we have we have Albert Lortzing's (1801-1851) one act opera, Die Opernprobe (The Rehearsal). Lortzing was also an actor and singer, and it’s likely Die Opernprobe, written in 1828, was composed for his own troupe. His operas were particularly successful in German theaters. He remains one of the most frequently performed of all operatic composers on the German stage.
Adolph, the young Baron von Reintal, is fleeing from the his uncle’s house with his servant, because the old Baron von Reintal has arranged a marriage for Adolph with a girl Adolph does not know. Adolph goes to the Count's house, because he is attracted to Louise, the Count's daughter. Of course, she is the very girl his uncle wants him to marry. The Count's household and family is obsessed with opera - they talk to each other in recitative and put on a performance every day. The young baron and his servant audition, and the rehearsal begins. The old baron appears, and the young Baron and Louise wind up together
Regina Marheineke, Nicolai Gedda, Walter Berry and Klaus Hirte head the cast, with Otmar Suitnor conducting the Bavarian State Opera of Munich Orchestra and Chorus.
