Falstaff

Details:

The corpulent knight Sir John Falstaff is staying at the Garter Inn. He has spent all his money and cannot pay his bill. Convinced of his appeal to the opposite sex, he plans to combine business with pleasure. He writes two love letters with identical content, one to Alice Ford and one to Meg Page, the wives of two prosperous citizens, asking them for a rendezvous. The two of them hatch a plan to make a fool of Falstaff. They send Mistress Quickly to invite Falstaff to Ford’s house between two and three o’clock as that is when the jealous master of the house is not at home. Falstaff accepts the invitation. Shortly thereafter, Ford pays him a visit. He introduces himself as Master Brook, who is in love with Alice, but whose attempts to woo her have failed. Since he has heard tell of Falstaff’s seduction prowess, he asks him to soften her up for him, in return for payment. Falstaff boasts that he will hold Alice in his arms that very day. Ford believes that Alice has betrayed him and storms into his house between two and three o’clock, where Falstaff has already arrived for his rendezvous with Alice. Without a moment to lose, the women manage to hide Falstaff in a laundry basket. To general hilarity, the basket with Falstaff in it is emptied into the Thames.

Falstaff allows himself to be talked into attempting a new rendezvous. Dis- guised as the Black Huntsman, he is to appear at night in Windsor Great Park wearing a pair of antlers on his head. There, however, dressed as elves and goblins the townsfolk fall upon him, thoroughly belabouring him. Ford’s plan to marry his daughter Nannetta, who is in love with poor Fenton, to the eccentric doctor Dr Caius also goes awry. In the general confusion, the lovers are united. Falstaff asks who has been made to look a fool. Everyone agrees: everything in life is just a jest.


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program

Falstaff
Musik: Giuseppe Verdi
Text: William Shakespeare & Arrigo Boito

Place

Vienna State Opera – World-Renowned Stage for Opera and Ballet in the Heart of Vienna

The Vienna State Opera is one of the world's leading opera houses and a cultural landmark of Austria. Located prominently in the heart of Vienna, along the famous Ringstrasse, it offers outstanding opera productions featuring international stars and a renowned ballet ensemble.

Since its grand opening in 1869, the Vienna State Opera has been synonymous with musical excellence, artistic perfection, and an extensive repertoire ranging from operatic classics to contemporary works. Each season, it stages more than 300 performances, including world-famous operas such as Mozart’s "The Magic Flute", Verdi’s "La Traviata", and Puccini’s "Tosca".

Alongside its acclaimed opera productions, the Vienna State Opera is also home to the celebrated Vienna State Ballet, renowned for both classical and contemporary dance performances. The annual Vienna Opera Ball is a prestigious social event with international prominence.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• Lines U1, U2, U4 – Karlsplatz station, direct access

Tram:

• Lines 1, 2, D, 62, 71 – Oper/Karlsplatz stop

Bus:

• Line 59A – Oper stop

Its central location on Vienna’s Ringstrasse ensures convenient and easy access.

Vienna State Opera – A Symbol of Viennese Culture and Musical Excellence

As one of the world's premier opera houses, the Vienna State Opera is an essential destination for opera enthusiasts, music lovers, and visitors seeking to experience the cultural heart of Vienna.