Opera Plots I - MDC Faculty Home Pages

good looks and gallant bearing of a young recruit named Fritz, much to the chagrin of the
Commander, General Boum, a fussy old beau, who is ambitious, and desires to stand first in the
great ladys favour. Fritz, however, is in love with a beautiful peasant girl, Wanda, whom the
Duchess endeavours to separate him from by raising him first to the rank of corporal, next to that
of lieutenant, and finally to that of general, with the title of Baron. Her own royal suitor, Prince
Paul, a somewhat dull and feeble wooer, she neglects entirely; and she sends out her new favourite
to lead a campaign against an enemy. Fritz returns covered with glory; but when the amorous
Duchess almost openly offers him her hand and heart he gently but firmly declines her advances,
and announces his intention to remain faithful to his beloved Wanda. This resolution so enrages
the Duchess that she joins the deposed General Boum, Baron Puck and Prince Paul in a plot
against the new commanders life. She is further encouraged in her change of conduct by the
arrival of Baron Grog, an Ambassador sent by Prince Pauls father to bring the desired marriage
about; and she is so pleased by the new-coiners willingness to join the conspiracy that she gives
her consent to her union with the young Prince. She afterwards relents, however, and refuses to
allow the assassination to proceed, agreeing instead to permit Fritz to marry Wanda; but the young
man is nevertheless set upon by the conspirators and very roughly handled. The Grand Duchess
adds to his troubles by depriving him of his command and reinstating General Boum. Finally,
however, the petty quarrels and misunderstandings are all settled, and the relieved Fritz is free to
marry his simple peasant sweetheart Wanda, whilst the Grand Duchess accepts Prince Paul as her
future husband.
120. ORPHEUS AUX ENFERS
Opera Comique in Three Acts By Jacques Offenbach
Libretto By Crémieux
First Produced Paris, October, 1858
Chief Characters Eurydice, Juno, Venus, Diana, a Shepherdess, Orpheus, Aristeus (Pluto in
disguise), Jupiter, John Styx, Public Opinion
THE fantastic plot of this opera is a clever burlesque upon the classical story of Orpheus and
Eurydice, many modern references being introduced. Orpheus and Eurydice are seen in the first
act to be each carrying on a flirtation-Orpheus with a pretty shepherdess and Eurydice with
Aristeus, a reputed shepherd, who is really Pluto in disguise. When they make a mutual discovery
of each others infidelity a quarrel ensues, and they separate. Eurydice, on going to her shepherd
for protection, learns that her lover is none other than the god Pluto, who now boldly carries her
off to his infernal regions. Orpheus is rejoicing at the disappearance of his somewhat shrewish
wife when he is commanded by Public Opinion to immediately demand her return from Jupiter,
the chief god of Olympus; and, much against his will, he is compelled to obey.
In Act 2 much amusing by-play is afforded by the petty squabbles of Juno, Venus, Jupiter, Diana
and Pluto, which is presently ended by the arrival of Public Opinion, who brings the reluctant
Orpheus to demand the restoration of his wife. Jupiter grants his request and bids him follow him
to Hades, where Eurydice is found, watched over by John Styx. Jupiter takes on the form of a fly,
which Eurydice catches, whereupon he reveals himself and transforms her temporarily into a
merry bacchante on the arrival of Pluto. Presently Orpheus appears sailing up the Styx in a boat,