Otto Nicolai

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Otto Nicolai became one of the few 'one-hit wonders' among classical composers. Although some of his operas had success during his lifetime, it is really only his final opera, The Merry Wives of Windsor, that has become a repertory item, but with its storyline, wit and an abundance of memorable tunes it is not difficult to understand why. It was a rousing success from its first performance on March 9, 1849, and the bubbly overture is still especially popular.

The drama takes place in three acts, to a libretto by Hermann von Mosenthal, the English version being by Josef Blatt.