Die Zwillingsbrüder

• The old Schulze ( bass)
• Lizzie, his daughter (Soprano)
• Anton, Lieschens friend (tenor )
• Franz and Friedrich spit, two invalids (baritone )
• Municipal Officials ( bass)
• Villagers (chorus )

The twin brothers is a farcical musical play in one act by Franz Schubert (music) and Georg Ernst von Hofmann ( libretto ). The result is the work in 1819 as a commissioned work for the Vienna Court Opera and premiered on June 14, 1820 in Kärntnertortheater.

Action

The work takes place in a Rhenish village in the early 19th century.

Lizzie has long yearned for her birthday, where it is 18 years old, and today it's finally time. By now it should really nothing stopping the engagement with her beloved Anton in the way when only the unspeakable promise her father would not ...

Shortly after birth Lieschens bot Franz Schulze to spit his neighbors to take over the sponsorship for the child if he get the girl later in marriage. He would also equal deposit at the Town Hall in 1000 dollars, which he then transferring with interest as dowry, and Schulze - not blessed with wealth - agreed. However, because Franz's twin brother went years ago to France 's foreign legion, and since then no sign of life had penetrated into the home from him, he wanted to go to France and find his brother. If he is not back up to Lieschens 18th birthday, would apply the promise to be revoked.

Hardly has Lizzie wasted a small thought of her godfather, since emerged on this very surprising and insists on his right. Lieschens father has long since repented that he had once such a big mistake has slipped out. He wants to make up for his mistake and is now trying to retune Franz; but all his powers of persuasion is doomed to failure. Franz makes itself immediately on the way to City Hall to pick up the banns and the sum deposited.

It does even a surprise. Suddenly out of the blue is Franzens twin brother Friedrich ago Lizzie and her father. They believe, Franz had already returned from the registry office or even not go. Maybe he changed this by now changed his mind? So they try again to get his blessing to Lieschens engagement with Anton and - duh? - He agrees! Lizzie revels in luck.

The third surprise was not long in coming. While Lizzie and her father talk to the alleged Legionnaire, a gentleman comes from the Magistrate and handed over this 1,200 Taler. But he had to come equal to confirm the reception at City Hall. As soon as the officer with Frederick gone, even Francis reappears on the scene and asks Lizzie to marry him. Her father believes Franz do not have all their marbles. And anyway: What's with the blindfold? Time to cover the right and sometimes the left eye. So no - a madman should not marry his daughter. Under these circumstances, he no longer feels bound by his promise. When Franz then also gets a fit of rage, rush a few brave villagers to help, overwhelm him and lead him away. He had to court, you mean.

Only a few minutes have passed, as Lizzie and her father believe again to behold the accursed Franz. They think he had escaped his captors, but wonder how peaceful he comes along. Finally, the confusion dissolves into thin air. The twins are happy to have finally found again, and Lizzie - but that is now no longer a surprise - may marry her Anton.

As a tenth musical number is heard the final chorus: