Arabella is an opera in three acts composed by Richard Strauss. The highlight of Arabella is the famous duet “Und du wirst mein Gebieter sein” between Arabella and Mandryka.
Arabella, Opera: Character Map
Arabella, Opera: Roles
| Arabella | soprano | |
| Zdenka | Arabella’s sister | soprano |
| Mandryka | a Croatian landowner | baritone |
| Matteo | a young officer | tenor |
| Count Waldner | Arabella’s father | bass |
| Adelaide | Arabella’s mother | mezzo-soprano |
| The Fiakermilli | Popular folk singer | soprano |
| A fortune-teller | soprano | |
| Count Elemer | tenor | |
| Count Dominik | baritone | |
| Count Lamoral | bass |
- Native title: Arabella
- Language: German
- Composers: Richard Strauss
- Librettist: Hugo von Hofmannsthal
- Premiere: July 1, 1933, Sächsische Staatsoper Dresden (Semperoper), Dresden
- Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Arabella, Opera: Summary
There are two sisters from a fallen aristocratic family. Their parents cannot afford a marriage for two, so they ask Arabella, the older sister, to marry a rich man, while Zdenka, the younger sister, disguises herself as a man. Zdenka is in love with Matteo, an officer who likes Arabella. Arabella does not like Matteo, who has no money, and falls in love at first sight with a man she sees by chance. The man is Mandryka, the nephew of the man to whom the sisters’ father sent Arabella’s portrait.
Arabella accepts Mandryka’s proposal. Matteo, who likes Arabella, despairs. Zdenka pretends to be Arabella and has an affair with Matteo. Arabella and Matteo, who are unaware of this, meet and there is an uproar. Zdenka confides everything to everyone. Matteo falls in love with the female version of Zdenka. The love of the sisters goes well.
Arabella, Opera: Act1, Synopsis
A hotel room in Vienna. The Countess asks the fortune teller for her fortune. The fortune teller tells her that Arabella will marry a man from far away, but there will be an uproar. The Count’s family finances are in ruins, and they cannot afford to marry the two sisters. Arabella, the older sister, must marry a rich man, and Zdenka, the younger sister, dresses as a man. Zdenka likes Matteo, who likes Arabella, but supports his love. Arabella is not interested in Matteo, who has no money. Arabella falls in love at first sight with a stranger she sees through the window.
The sisters’ father returns after losing a bet. He tells them that he has sent Arabella’s portrait and a letter to a former friend. They are visited in their room by Mandryka, the nephew of their friend. He is rich, having inherited his uncle’s fortune. Mandryka offers to marry Arabella. Arabella’s father accepts.
Arabella, Opera: Act2, Synopsis
The ball. Arabella learns that the man who will marry her is the one she fell in love with at first sight. Mandrika tells her about the custom in his country where a woman gives her fiancé a glass of water as a sign of her consent to marry. Arabella accepts his proposal.
Und du wirst mein Gebieter sein
Arabella asks Mandrika’s permission to stay for an hour or so at the ball.
Arabella dances with three of her former suitors. Matteo cannot give up on Arabella. Zdenka sends a letter for Matteo, pretending to be Arabella and meeting her in a hotel room. Mandrika overhears their conversation and suspects Arabella is having an affair.
Arabella, Opera: Act3, Synopsis
Matteo and Zdenka are having an affair.
Hotel lobby. Arabella returns from the ball and runs into Matteo. Matteo is confused because he was with Zdenka, who just pretended to be Arabella. The sisters’ parents and Mandryka appear. Mandryka accuses Arabella of being unfaithful and says she will return to the country. The sisters’ father and Mandryka are about to fight a duel.
Zdenka appears in female form, not dressed as a man, and explains everything. Matteo falls in love with the female Zdenka. Mandryka apologizes to Arabella. Arabella asks a servant to bring her water. Arabella gives Mandryka a glass of water, and the two couples get along well.