GIUDITTA

A musical comedy in 5 scenes; book and lyrics by Paul Knepler and Fritz Löhner; Music by Franz Lehár,

Vienna Staatsoper - 20 January, 1934; Volksoper, 18 October, 1951

Synopsis

The story tells of the Army officer Octavio and his consuming love for Giuditta, a passionate spitfire, who leaves him because he refuses to desert the colours for her; their chance meeting several years afterwards comes too late, though they realise how much they have lost. The opulent score contains some memorable songs and duets, most particularly Giuditta's "On My Lips Every Kiss Is Like Wine".

Principals:

3 female, 8 male

Manuele Biffi
Giuditta, his wife
Octavio, a Captain
Antonio, a Lieutenant
Eduard Barrymore
A Duke
The Duke's adjutant
Ibrahim, proprietor of the Alcazar night club
Professor Martini
Pierrino, a fruit seller
Anita, a fisher girl
Lolitta, a dancer
Sebastiano, a landlord

Officers, soldiers, villagers, dancers, guests, musicians, waiters

Instrumentation:

3 flutes, 3 oboes, 3 clarinets, 3 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, 3 percussion, harp, strings

New English translation by Adam Carstairs