ght out on their
shoulders, and while Chrysothemis joins her brother, Elektra sings a
weird hymn of exultation. Slowly descending from the steps of the
threshold she begins to dance triumphantly. The crowd looks on
spellbound; her dance grows wilder and more triumphant until she sinks
to the ground lifeless.

{533}

VERSIEGELT.

(SEALED.)

Comic Opera in one act by RICHARD BATKA and PORDES-MILO, adapted from
Rauppach's "Der versiegelte Buergermeister".

Music by LEO BLECH.

The popularity of this work, the composer's first real success, is due
not only to the sparkling and easy flow of melody, but also in large
measure to the skill with which the librettists have adapted Rauppach's
old-fashioned comedy.

We are transported to the age of chokers and kneebreeches, and the
easy-going and good-humoured spirit of the times is well caught, and
combined with the more delicate touches of feeling.

Blech is no mere imitator, but has a distinct individuality.

The chorus of the "Schuetzen", the dainty and touching little song of
the widow Gertrude, and the first love duet are effective and
characteristic, while the garrulous Lampe's songs are full of merriment.

The scene is laid in a small provincial town in the year 1830. Frau
Willmers, a worthy matron, asks permission of her neighbour, a
sprightly young widow, to deposit in her house an heirloom, in the
shape of a handsome old cupboard, her reason being that the Burgomaster
who bears her a grudge owing to an ancient dispute with her husband,
threatens her with distraint for non-payment of taxes. Gertrude
readily consents to have the cupboard placed in her room. Meanwhile
Frau Willmers' son, Bertel, the Recorder, appears with Elsa, the {534}
daughter of the Burgomaster. Bertel has asked the Burgomaster for
Elsa's hand, and been refused. Elsa declares that she will marry
Bertel and no one but Bertel. The latter begs Gertrude, who has long
possessed the Burgomaster's affections, to soften the father's heart.
Gertrude promises to do her best, with which consolation the couple
together with Frau Willmers take their departure. In a humorous
monologue Gertrude decides to accept the Burgomaster. She is
interrupted in her soliloquy by Lampe, the Beadle, who is a regular old
Paul Pry, and boasts to the widow of his smartness and sagacity.
According to himself he can ferret out anything, or any one, from a
defrauder of the revenue to a thief, an anarchist or a m