GIUDITTA A musical comedy in 5 scenes; book and lyrics by Paul Knepler and Fritz Löhner; Music by Franz Lehár Vienna Staatsoper - 20 January, 1934; Volksoper, 18 October, 1951 SYNOPSIS The story tells of the Army officer Octavio and his consuming love for Giuditta, a passionate spitfire, who leaves him because he refuses to desert the colours for her; their chance meeting several years afterwards comes too late, though they realise how much they have lost. The opulent score contains some memorable songs and duets, most particularly Giuditta's "On My Lips Every Kiss Is Like Wine". STORY Scene 1 In the market-place of a Mediterranean town two street singers are perform¬ing to the accompaniment of mandolins and a hurdy-gurdy. Pierrino, a fruit seller, enters calling his wares and leading a small donkey pulling a barrow full of produce. He has decided to give up his business and, after disposing of all his stock, he auctions off his barrow. Finally, he turns to his faithful donkey, Aristotle, bids him a fond, tearful farewell, and sells him also to the purchaser of the barrow. Then he calls to his girlfriend Anita, a fisher girl, and checks with her that all is prepared for the ship they are to catch that evening. Their plan is to earn their living as touring performers in North Africa. Pierrino asks whether her parents know that she's leaving, but Anita explains that, as one of thirteen children, her departure will scarcely be noticed. They are in high spirits and free of cares at the prospect of their adventure. Manuele emerges from his house with a bird in a wooden cage that he has just made for a local dignitary. He plans to spend the money he receives for it on his young wife, Giuditta, on whom he dotes and for whose benefit he keeps up his hard work. It is clear that Giuditta's beauty is widely admired. 'Isn't she too beautiful for you?' the innkeeper Sebastian asks undiplomatically. Just then a group of officers arrives led by Captain Octavio and Lieutenant Antonio. Their ship has put into port for the evening prior to sailing for manoeuvres in Africa, and they have come to sample the inn's well-known wines. Octavio is a man full of the joys of life, and most particularly partial to the pleasures of a beautiful woman. As the officers go to leave, Giuditta's voice is heard singing plaintively. Octavio is enchanted, and he watches as she comes out onto her balcony, sighing for the true love she has never enjoyed. Suddenly Giuditta spots Octavio gazing at her and, when he asks her why there are tears in her eyes, she sadly tells him how she yearns to leave her dreary life and sink into a sea of love. Octavio cannot restrain himself from passionately telling her of her beauty. He begs her to spend with him the short time before his ship sails but, when she insists that her husband will return at any moment, he impulsively urges her to come away with him. It is an invitation that she is unable to resist.Cover to Studio Cast Recording When Manuele returns, Octavio treats him to a glass of wine and chats with him about his voyage to Africa, but Manuele is disturbed when he hears Octavio enthusiastically breathing Giuditta's name. He jealously questions his wife and she reacts angrily, accusing him of treating her like a captive bird, locked in one of the cages that he makes. As Manuele hurries into the house, Giuditta symbolically goes to the birdcage hanging on their wall, lets the bird loose and, watching it fly off, she looks heavenwards and expresses her own longing to fly away. Giuditta has departed in the direction of the harbour, when Manuele appears on the balcony calling for her. He is already regretting his harsh words and is determined to make it up to her by buying her a present.
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