The Merry Widow Ballet, composed by Franz Lehár, is a classic Viennese operetta that premiered in Vienna at the Theater an der Wien on December 30, 1905. It is one of the most beloved operettas of all time and has been performed around the world in many different versions.
The story follows a wealthy widow, Hanna Glawari, who has recently inherited a large fortune from her late husband. The men of the fictional kingdom of Pontevedro are all vying for her attention in hopes of securing her wealth and maintaining their country’s financial stability. However, Hanna is determined to remain independent and not marry for money.
The ballet version of The Merry Widow tells this story through dancing and music. It is set to Lehár’s famous score, which includes such hits as “Vilja” and “The Merry Widow Waltz.”
The choreography is filled with grace, beauty and humor. It captures the conflict between Hanna and her suitors perfectly, as well as the high society atmosphere and sophistication of 19th-century Vienna.
The story begins with Hanna entering a ballroom where all the eligible bachelors are gathered. Despite their attempts to win her over with their charms and gifts, she remains unimpressed by their advances. When Count Danilo arrives at the ballroom, however, things take an interesting turn as he quickly falls in love with Hanna despite his own reluctance to get involved with someone so wealthy.
Their romance soon blooms but it is tested when Danilo learns that due to a clause in her late husband’s will, if Hanna remarries she will lose her fortune and Pontevedro will be left bankrupt. In order to save his country from ruin he decides that they can never marry despite their mutual feelings for one another.
Fortunately for them (and Pontevedro) all ends happily when it turns out that no such clause exists in Hanna’s late husband’s will after all – allowing them to wed without consequence! As they finally get married amid much celebration from their fellow citizens The Merry Widow Ballet comes to its joyous conclusion!
What Is the Story of The Merry Widow Ballet?
The Merry Widow Ballet tells the story of wealthy widow Hanna Glawari who is courted by many men hoping to secure her wealth until she falls in love with Count Danilo – only to discover that if they marry she may lose her inheritance! Fortunately it turns out that no such clause exists allowing them to wed without consequence – bringing us this classic Viennese operetta’s happy ending!