Friederike

by Franz Lehar (1870-1948).
An operetta in 3 acts to a libretto by Ludwig Herzer and Fritz Lohner.
First performance: Berlin, 4th October, 1928.

Synopsis

On Whit Sunday, 1771, the students Goethe, Lenz and Weyland travel from Strasbourg to Sesenheim to pay a visit to Pastor Brion and his two daughters Friederike and Salomea. The medical student Weyland is in love with Salomea, who, however, provokes his jealousy by flirting with the poet Lenz. Friederike, in turn, only has eyes for the young jurist Goethe, who subtly reciprocates her affection. Later that year, in Strasbourg, Goethe celebrates the awarding of his doctoral degree at the home of Friederike's uncle. And such is his talent, Geothe has already been offered a post at the Weimar Court. But because this would not allow him to marry him his beloved Friederike, Goethe refuses to accept this offer.

Friederike, in spite of her love for Goethe, and his intended career sacrifice for her, knows that his talents would be squandered in a provincial town like Sesenheim, and that he would come to regret his decision. Accordingly she discourages him by pretending to be in love with another, Lenz, and Goethe, deeply hurt by this revelation, leaves for Saxony, to accept the post at the Weimar Court.

A few years later, his career well established, Goethe returns with his master, Duke Karl August, and renews his acquaintance with the two sisters, Salomea and Friederike. Salomea is now happily married to Weyland, but Friederike is still on her own, in spite of being courted by many suitors, including Lenz. But what is past, is past, and what could have been, is no longer seemingly possible, and after one final nostalgic meeting between the two former lovers, Goethe finally leaves Friederike to continue his travels with the Duke, and Friederike to her own lonely destiny.