Franz Lehar (1870–1948)

I hadn't listened to this in ages, only remembering that it had a sad ending and that the Czarevitch was probably gay and not just temporarily frightened of women. But who expects reality in an operetta? I was surprised then to hear a telephone ringing. The libretto supplied really only has synopses of each scene and consequently doesn't mention any telephones. I also vaguely remembered it was based on something historic - but it was apparently updated. The operetta was produced originally in 1927. [Ten years later Edward abdicates to marry Mrs. Simpson.]
Listening to this particular operetta put me in mind of the history of musical theatre and how indebted Rodgers and Hammerstein were to operetta and maybe Lehar in particular. What "Die Lustige Witwe" might be, popular and memorable, it is still a silly story with no redeeming social value. "Der Zarewitsch," however, tangles with concepts of honor and duty in a semi-serious way, paving the way for even more serious musicals like "South Pacific." The comic couple (somehow there developed a dichotomy in musical theatre where you have contrasting relationships of one serious lead couple and then the comic relief couple), Ivan and Mascha, jar a bit in a tale of a man tricked into love only to have it taken away from him (not to mention the woman who is coerced by duty to give up the man she loves). Considering the scope of absolute power that a czar might have, what would keep him from following the example of his valet by keeping someone on the side? Oh, but he's ROYAL and therefore has better morals. Honor! Duty! Blah blah blah! Show me a past monarch who didn't do exactly what he wanted.
Maybe that's the answer. The powerful are under more scrutiny now. Riiiiight.
Singing is okay. Story mawkish, but still made me cry ... just a little. Pflicht - duty, a very German concept, a word I feel in my bones.… (more)