Lucia Popp - Johann Strauss Die Fledermaus "Mein Herr Marquis" as Adele

Lucia Popp
Die Fledermaus "Mein Herr Marquis" as Adele"
Conductor: Carolos Kleiber
Bayerischer Staatsoperchor
Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Recording: Munchen 10/1975

Synopsis
Act I. Eisenstein's Home
Alfred serenades Rosalinda while Adele wonders how she can go to Prince Orlofsky's ball. She asks for a leave 'to see her poor sick aunt' but Rosalinda refuses. She reminds her maid that Eisenstein will serve five days in jail for hanging a man's coat on the rack while the man is still in it.
Eisentstein is furious at Blind's representation of him which made the court extend the sentence from five to eight days. Falke persuades Eisenstein to go with him to Orlofsky's party instead of going to jail. Eisenstein recollects the time when he left Falke out in the park the night after a costume parade. The next morning, Falke was surrounded by all the Sunday promenaders and the worse embarrassment was that he had to go home in his bat costume. The two men agree on a disguise for Eisenstein. Rosalinda, who assumes that her husband is going to spend the night in jail, gives Adele the night off. Rosalinda's lover, Alfred, reappears. Falke leaves a note for Rosalinda telling her to come to Orlofsky's party disguised as a Hungarian countess. Meanwhile Frank, the prison warden, mistakes Alfred as Eisenstein, and takes him to jail.
Act II. Prince Orlofsky's Ball
Falke sets the stage for his practical joke: He introduces Eisenstein to the prince and announces that Adele is actress Olga. Eisenstein and Adele recognized each other. Falke and the guests laugh at Eisenstein for calling Adele a chambermaid. Rosalinda arrives wearing her costume. Falke introduces her as a Hungarian countess. Rosalinda immediately recognizes her husband an Adele. Eisenstein unknowingly woos his wife, with the aid of his charming watch. Rosalind pockets the watch. The guests toast champagne. When the clock strikes six, Eisenstein hurries off to jail with Frank.
Act III. In Prison
Frosch the jailer has been drinking. Adele appears with her sister, Sally, hoping that Frank will help her launch her stage career. Frank locks up Adele and Sally to get them out of the way. He still believes that Alfred is Eisenstein. He explains how he found the prisoner (actually Alfred) kissing Rosalinda. Alfred demands a lawyer and Blind is sent for. Rosalinda bails out Alfred. When Blind arrives, Eisenstein intercepts him, forcing Blind to exchange clothes. Disguised, Eisenstein interrogates his wife and Alfred. Eisenstein removes his disguise and everything is revealed. Frank has Adele and sally brought down to identify Eisenstein. Falke arrives with Orlofsky and his guests. Falke explains how he has made plans as his revenge for Eisenstein's previous joke on him. Alfred also claims that his visit to Rosalinda was part of the joke. The prince offers to sponsor Adele in the theater. Everybody toasts.