Michael H. Hardern
Operetta Research Center
2 July, 2016
In 1883, three of the masterminds of Viennese operetta collaborated on a new masterpiece; A Trip to Africa – or Die Afrikareise in the original German. They were composer Franz von Suppé and librettists Richard Genée and Moritz West. The result was one of the most interesting Viennese operettas of their time. The work was performed across the world for 50 years, before the advent of films and lighter musical theatre made it, and many other works belonging to the same tradition, obsolete. The last known performance was in Italy in 1922. Now, there is a first critical edition published by Cambridge Scholars.
Cover for the book “A Trip to Africa.” (Cambridge Scholars)
The book was edited by Dario Salvi and Hannah Salvi, associated with the Imperial Vienna Orchestra who will also perform a live version A Trip to Africa in December 2016, for “one night only” in Norwich. (Hopefully, this will be recorded!)
Using sources from all over the world, the Salvis piece together for the first time a complete libretto, in English, German and Italian, with the original stage directions, as well as images of some historic productions.
Advertisment for the live performance of Suppé’s “A Trip to Africa.”
Also included are historic reviews, original costume designs, and an extended essay by Hans-Dieter Roser, the Suppé biographer from Vienna.
The book hit book stores on 1 July, and can be ordered directly from the publisher here.
Hello Kevin,
Thank you so much for the post.
Interestingly enough, if people buy the book, will find out how the Overture posted here above is not actually the real overture by Suppe, but a potpourri by Paul Lincke. The original overture is in my hands and will be recorded on 9th July for the first time in history. It is one of the missing recordings in Suppe’s syllabus. The reasons why the overture disappeared are all in the book! Thank you again! Dario