Home > The Bat Strauss, J. (1825-1899) Die Fledermaus The Bat Composed 1873-1874. First performed April 5, 1874. Libretto by Carl Haffner and Richard Genee (in German), after Meilhac and Halevy. A Summary of “Die Fledermaus (The Bat)” Act 1 On the last day of 1874, in the hot-spring resort, Ischl in Austria, there was a rich man, Eisenstein. On his way home from a certain costume ball, he left abandoned his friend, Dr. Falke, who had drunk a lot and disguised himself in a bat costume, on a street. Since then, Dr. Falke is laughingly called “Dr. Bat.” Dr. Falke thinks that he would like to get his revenge on Eisenstein. On the last day of the year, Eisenstein must be sent to jail for a short period because he insulted a civil servant. Dr. Falke invites him to go to a party with him before being sent to jail. Eisenstein is glad to go with Dr. Falke. Eisenstein’s wife, Rosalinde, stays at home. Alfred, who is Rosalinde’s old flame, visits her. He behaves as if he were her real husband. Then, the jail warden, Frank, visits Eisenstein’s house. Alfred could not tell Frank that he isn’t Rosalinde’s husband. Frank takes Alfred to the jail. Act 2 Eisenstein joins the party which is held by Russian Prince Orlofsky. Eisenstein happens to see his maid, Adele. But, he is absorbed in a beautiful Hungarian lady wearing a mask. To tell the truth, this lady’s true character is his wife, Rosalinde. The whole party is the Dr. Falke’s trap. When Eisenstein attempted to seduce the Hungarian lady, she took his pocket watch by force. Act 3 In the early morning on New Year's Day, Eisenstein who drank too much, reports to the jail. He finds a strange man in his cell. Then, his wife, Rosalinde, comes into the jail to get Alfred released from the prison. Eisenstein accuses his wife, and demands an explanation. But, Rosalinde shows him his pocket watch. He tears his hair out over this awkward situation. Dr. Falke appears there with all participants of the party, and he discloses his trap to Eisenstein. All characters on the stage laugh. A Comment on “Die Fledermaus (The Bat)” “Die Fledermaus (The Bat)” which was composed by Johann Strauss II, is classified as operetta. Operetta is derived from a “comedy” part in an opera. Some regard operetta as something light, so some top level opera houses don’t allow operetta to be performed there. But, “Die Fledermaus” is an exception. This story is on the last day of the year, some German opera houses often have performances at night on the last day. You will probably enjoy this operetta, because the Viennese waltz which was composed by Johann Strauss II is wonderful. And, the characters in this operetta are unique, so you would never be bored by this operetta. Eisenstein and Rosalinde, Dr. Falke also known as Dr. Bat, tomboy maid, Adele, and all other characters often cause the audience to laugh with their behaviour. The stage in act 2 is the party which is held by Russian Prince Orlofsky. In fact, there is a real party held by other performers to the side of the stage, which the play characters watch. This party is not related with the story of operetta. For example, some famous opera singers sing opera arias, dancers perform their dance, or orchestra plays Viennese waltz in this party. The audience can enjoy not only operetta but also another performance. It makes them feel they are getting good value for their money. Gluck, C. W. (1714-1787) 　- Orpheus and Eurydice Mozart, W. A. (1756-1791) 　- The Marriage of Figaro 　- Don Giovanni 　- Cosi fan tutte 　- The Magic Flute Beethoven, L. v. (1770-1827) 　- Fidelio Weber, C. M. v. (1786-1826) 　- The Magic Bullets Rossini, G. (1792-1868) 　- The Barber of Seville Donizetti, G. (1797-1848) 　- The Elixir of Love Verdi, G. (1813-1901) 　- Macbeth 　- Rigoletto 　- Il trovatore 　- La Traviata 　- Un ballo in maschera 　- Don Carlo 　- Aida 　- Otello 　- Falstaff Wagner, R. (1813-1883) 　- The Flying Dutchman 　- Tannhauser 　- Lohengrin 　- Tristan und Isolde 　- Die Meistersinger von Nuernberg 　- The Rhinegold 　- Die Walkure 　- Siegfried 　- Twilight of the Gods 　- Parsifal Offenbach, J. (1819-1880) 　- The Tales of Hoffmann Strauss, J. (1825-1899) 　- Die Fledermaus (The Bat) Bizet, G. (1838-1875) 　- Carmen Tchaikovsky, P. J. (1840-1893) 　- Eugene Onegin Massenet, J. (1842-1912) 　- Werther Humperdinck, E. (1854-1921) 　- Hansel and Gretel Puccini, G. (1858-1924) 　- La Boheme 　- Tosca 　- Madama Butterfly 　- Turandot Leoncavallo, R. (1858-1919) 　- Pagliacci Mascagni, P. (1863-1945) 　- Cavalleria Rusticana Debussy, C. (1862-1918) 　- Pelleas et Melisande Strauss, R. (1864-1949) 　- Salome 　- The Cavalier of the Rose Copyright (C) 2005-2013 Yusuke Kamiki. All Rights Reserved.