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Music Text

Text by Ignaz Schnitzer, adapted from a libretto by Jókai Mór (G,E)

Scoring

2S,M,A,2T,3Bar,B; chorus
2.2.2.2-4.2.3.0-perc-harp-strings

Abbreviations (PDF)

Publisher

Boosey & Hawkes

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

Availability

World Premiere
24/10/1885
Theater an der Wien, Vienna
Company: Theater an der Wien

Roles

GRAF PETER HOMONAY Baritone
CONTE CARNERO Baritone
SANDOR BARINKAY Tenor
KALMAN ZSUPAN, a pig-farmer Baritone
ARSENA, his daughter Soprano
MIRABELLA, her governess Contralto
OTTOKAR Tenor
CZIPRA, a gypsy leader Mezzo Soprano
SAFFI, her foster-daughter Soprano
PALI, a gypsy Bass
Time and Place

Hungary, 18th century, during the reign of Maria Theresia (about 1750)

Synopsis



Sándor Barinkay arrives at the ruins of his father's estates to claim what is rightfully his. He proposes marriage to Arsena, daughter of the local pig-farmer Zsupán, but she – in love with the farm hand Ottokar – insists she will marry only a member of the nobility. Annoyed, he goes over to the gypsy encampment, where his welcome is warmer. Armed with their pledge of allegiance, he declares himself a gypsy baron, and 'marries' Sáffi, daughter of old Czipra, through whose local knowledge he discovers treasure concealed in the ruins. Count Homonay appears, recruiting for the wars, and tricks Zsupán and Ottokar into the forces. Barinkay too joins, and offers his treasure to the cause. Czipra also announces that Sáffi, far from being her own child, is actually of noble birth. In front of the Kärntnerthor in Vienna following the Austro-Hungarian victory, all celebrate the future: Barinkay is made a true baron, his money is returned to him, and Sáffi is confirmed as his wife.

Moods

Comic, Romantic

Subjects
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