Martha (opera)
- Lady Harriet Durham ( soprano)
- Nancy, Harriet's confidante (mezzo- soprano)
- Lord Tristan Mickleford, Harriet's cousin ( bass)
- Lyonel ( tenor) and Plumkett (bass ), two tenants
- The judge of Richmond ( bass)
Martha, or The Market at Richmond is a romantic - comic opera in four acts by Friedrich von Flotow. The premiere took place on 25 November 1847 at the Theater am Kärntnertor in Vienna.
Formation
Originated the opera based on the ballet Lady Harriette ou La Servante de Greenwich in 1844; the text comes from the Berlin writer Friedrich Wilhelm Riese ( the pseudonym of " William Frederick " helped himself ) after the presentation of de Saint -Georges.
Action
The action takes place in Richmond at the beginning of the 18th century, in the time of Queen Anne of England ( 1702-1714 ).
Act 1
( Rooms at the home of Lady Harriet ) servant Nancy recommends Lady Harriet that she should fall in love once to their boredom. From outside you can hear the singing of the pulling on the market of Richmond maids. The two women do decide to dress up and to hire themselves out on the market as maids. Even the noble Lord Tristan must join this game.
( The market place to Richmond ) The chorus of countrymen summons the maids. While the tenant Lyonel and Plumkett wait for the maids, tells of a Lyonel derived from his father ring: If he came again in danger, Plumkett should send this ring to the Queen. The judge opened up the market and asks the now appearing maids according to their skills. This praise their abilities to ("I can sew, I can mow, I can sow thread turn "). Harriet (aka Martha ) and Nancy (aka Julia ) hire themselves in the fun of Lyonel and Plumkett. However, from the fun is serious: The judge decides that they have tied up for a year irrevocable ( " Is the earnest money accepted, the maid can not Refuse pious "). Lord Tristan tries in vain to intervene; he can only watch as " Martha " (Lady Harriet ) and "Julia" (Nancy) thereof are performed.
Act 2
( A room in the house Plumketts ) " Martha " and "Julia", now in the apartment of the tenant refuse any work. Plumkett and "Julia" yelp in itself, while Lyonel treated his maid " Martha " considerate. The two men want to instruct the maids in the spiders. "Julia" throws at her spinning-wheel and hurry away, laughing, pursued by Plumkett. Lyonel but is in love with his " Martha " and offers her hand to. She sings to him while on his entreaties toward a song ( " Last Rose" ), but spurned his love. After returning from Plumkett and "Julia" there is a brief discussion serene; then the men leave the room and include the girls. But which is taken after a short time of Lord Tristan. Send Lyonel and Plumkett from servants to capture the escaped handmaids.
Act 3
Before Waldschänke recognizes Plumkett in Nancy his maid "Julia" which is with ladies from the court of Queen on the hunt. His attempt to continue being thwarted by armed with spears Slayers. Lyonel shall be additional and sings the aria " Oh so pious, oh so familiar " with, which had become final quote " Martha, Martha, you entschwandest ... ". The approaching Harriet is recognized and asked to follow him by Lyonel. When he called angrily as his maid, Harriet can arrest him; he can pin together Plumkett the ring just yet.
Act 4
( In the house Plumketts ) After Plumkett sent the ring to the Queen, now turns out that Lyonel is the son of an innocent banished Duke. Now, when she realizes his stand, Harriet would like to marry him. She lures him with her song " Last Rose" in his tenant office, but there he has it as a "false siren " from. In contrast Plumkett and Nancy find each other merrily chatting.
( Space in front Plumketts house ) on the square in front Plumketts House is played the piece " maids Market at Richmond " at the request of Lady Harriet; Friends have dressed appropriately. Harriet and Nancy have again dressed as maids, to offer their services. Lyonel Harriet question what she could, and she replies that she can renounce everything shine to again be his maid. With great emotion and a double wedding, the piece closes.