Composed and premiered in 1874, Johann Strauss II’s operetta “Die Fledermaus” is one of his most popular stage works. The operetta was premiered at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna and has since become a standard in the repertoire.
The UK premiere of Die Fledermaus was on 18th December 1876, and was sung in English, with translations and adjustments by Hamilton Clarke. The German original did not premiere in London until 1895.
Die Fledermaus (The Bat), is full of catchy melodies and lots of excitement making it ideal for an overture. Strauss’ music for Die Fledermaus is often commended not only for its quick pace and comical edge, but its clever orchestrations.
And here is Carlos Kleiber to conduct the overture to the Operetta “Die Fledermaus”:
