Der Waffenschmied | |
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Singspiel by Albert Lortzing | |
Translation | The Armourer |
Librettist | Lortzing |
Language | German |
Based on | Liebhaber und Nebenbuhler in einer Person by Friedrich Wilheim von Ziegler |
Premiere | 31 May 1846 Theater an der Wien, Vienna |
Der Waffenschmied (The Armourer) is an opera (Singspiel) in three acts by Albert Lortzing. The German-language libretto was by the composer after Friedrich Wilheim von Ziegler's Liebhaber und Nebenbuhler in einer Person (Lover and Rival in One Person). This is often considered his third most popular work.[1] His works are considered to be part of the Biedermeier period. It premiered in Vienna at the Theater an der Wien on 31 May 1846 conducted by Lortzing.[2] The role of Marie was written with Jenny Lind in mind who he hoped would sing the part. The opera was eventually successful enough that Lortzing was offered the post of Kapellmeister at the theatre which he held until the revolution of 1848, when he had to return to Leipzig.[3] Arnold Schoenberg, arranged Lortzing's "Waffenschmied“ for piano for 4 hands.[4] The story is set in the city of Worms in the 16th century.