Das Dreimäderlhaus

Das Dreimäderlhaus ("House of the Three Girls") is a Viennese operetta, with music by Franz Schubert (1797–1828)[1], rearranged by Heinrich Berté (1857–1924)[2], with a libretto by Alfred Maria Willner (1859–1929)[3] and Heinz Reichert (1877-1940)[4].

The original text

Set in Old Vienna it tells of the shy, young composer, Franz Schubert, who writes a beautiful love song to his beloved Mitzi, bt then gets his best friend Baron Schober to sing it to her. She falls in love with the singer instead of poor Franz, who has to find consolation in their happiness and in his music.

The work is adapted from Rudolf Hans Bartsch's 1912 biographic novel called Schwammerl. Ein Schubert-Roman, published by Staackmann, Leipzig in 1912.

The operatic stage version was first performed at the Raimundtheater, Vienna - on 15 January, 1916, and it was an immediate success. The operetta is said to have gone on to receive productions in over 60 countries and the libretto has been translated into numerous languages[5].

Translations and adaptations

A French adaptation by Hugues Delorme (1868-1942)[6] and Léon Abric (1869-1942)[7] called Chanson d'Amour ("Song of Love") premiéred in Paris on May 7, 1921, to great acclaim.

Adapted and translated into English as Blossom Time by Dorothy Donnelly (1880-1928)[8] and music arranged by Sigmund Romberg (1887–1951)[9] it was performed at the Ambassador's Theatre, Broadway on 29 September, 1921

Adapted and translated into English as Lilac Time by Adrian Ross (1859–1933)[10], with music arranged by George H. Clutsam (1866–1951)[11], using some of Berté's work. This was first performed at the Lyric Theatre, London on 22 December, 1922. NOTE: The operetta is not to be confused with Cowl and Murfin's 1917 romantic play also called Lilac Time.

It was filmed as Blossom Time in 1934, starring Richard Tauber (1891–1948)[12] as Schubert.