A Waltz Dream (or better known in German as Ein Walzertraum) is an operetta written by Oscar Straus which received its premiere on 3 March 1907 at the Carl-Theater in Vienna. The idea of conceiving the operetta is of a coincidence and stemmed from Straus' frequent to the coffee houses in the Vienna Prater where, incidentally, a young but talented author Leopold Jacobson presented the composer with a libretto for the new stage work. Straus, at that time was also sufficiently inspired by the libretto and needed no motivation to complete the work within 12 months for its premiere in spring 1907. The original text of the libretto was based on the short story by Hans Müller entitled Buch der Abenteuer. Operetta (literally, little opera) is a performance art-form similar to opera, though it generally deals with less serious topics. ... Jump to: navigation, search March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (63rd in leap years). ... 1907 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Jump to: navigation, search Vienna (German: Wien [viːn]; Hungarian: Bécs, Czech: Vídeň, Slovak: Viedeň, Romany Vidnya; Serbian: Beč) is the capital of Austria, and also one of Austrias nine federal states (Bundesland Wien). ... The Volksprater amusement park in the Wiener Prater The Hauptallee in the Prater Leopoldstadt (Leopold-Town) is Viennas second district. ... A libretto is the body of words used in an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, oratorio, or musical. ...

The success of the operetta was beyond Straus' expectation although special praise was reserved for the famous waltz theme from Act Two. Straus then arranges various numbers from the operetta and included the graceful main waltz theme into a new concert waltz. Following the success of the operetta in Vienna, productions of the work was also mounted for premieres in New York on 27 January 1908 and in London on 28 March 1908. Jump to: navigation, search State nickname: The Empire State Other U.S. States Capital Albany Largest city New York City Governor George Pataki (R) Senators Charles Schumer (D) Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) Official languages None (English is de facto) Area 141,205 km² or 54,556 square miles (27th)  - Land... Jump to: navigation, search January 27 is the 27th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Jump to: navigation, search 1908 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. ... Jump to: navigation, search March 28 is the 87th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (88th in Leap years). ... Jump to: navigation, search 1908 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ...

Principal Characters

• Joachim XIII (the Prince of Flausenthurn)
• Princess Helene (the Prince's daughter)
• Count Lothar (the Prince's cousin)
• Lieutenant Niki (Princess' lover)
• Lieutenant Montschi
• Friederike von Insterburg (the chief-lady-in-waiting)
• Wendolin
• Franzi Steingruber (conductor of the ladies' orchestra)

Plot Summary

Act One

In the fictional state of Rurislavenstein, the scene opens in the glittering and the splendour of the Prunksaal des Schlosses Hall of the Prince of Flausenthurn. Princess Helene and Lieutenant Niki of the Army had earlier became lovers and soon were married in the splendid hall whereupon the father of the Princess, Joachim decided the apparent heir to his throne. In spite of this, Lieutenant Niki appeared to be sceptical of the prospect of being a Prince as it was not financially beneficial nor does it come with the elevated status which he sought. The marriage has also raised a few eyebrows among the courtiers as Niki was just a common soldier and the choice of marriage has been a hasty one. Niki also distanced himself from the Prince's favour when the former acknowledged the hasty marriage and raised suggestions for a separate bedroom from the newly-wed Princess. It also appeared to the dismayed Prince that Lieutenant Niki favours his hometown of Vienna rather than the interests of the State. Lieutenant Niki then chooses to leave the palace secretly with his comrade Lieutenant Montschi for a pleasurable evening in the Beer-Garden. Through this troubled backdrop, a scheming Count Lothar, who is envious of Niki hatches a plan of betrayal.

Act Two

At the Garten der Wirtschaft, Niki meets Franzi, a ladies' orchestra leader and is attracted to her. Franzi, apparently, has also had her heart won by him just as quickly as her criteria is that only a true Wienerin (Viennese) can do so. By the scheme of Count Lothar, the Prince and Princess Helene was also present at the same venue with the chambermaid Friederike von Insterburg. The Count also has eyes for Franzi, however, she gives him the cold shouder. By that instance, Princess Helene and Franzi meets and the Princess gladly wants to know the Wienerin who has won her heart. The main waltz theme of the Walzertraum plays and Niki dances with the Princess Helene. Franzi, who watches the entire scene with a broken heart realises that Niki was actually the husband of the Princess.

Act Three

Back at the Prunksaal des Schlosses Hall, Princess Helen discovers Niki's unhappiness at the marriage. It transpires that Niki longs for the Viennese customs which he grows up with. An immediate change of environment was implemented, including a change of dress code, furniture and even the meals. A new chambermaid schooled in the Viennese customs was also installed to take charge of the domestic matters. Niki, as expected, warms down to the new surroundings which comes close to his heart and soon willingly accepts Princess Helene without restrictions although he clearly misses the pretty Franzi. Franzi, however, wisely renounces her affection for Niki and all ends happily ever after.