The Great Sinner
(Die grosse Sunderin)

by Eduard Kunneke (1885-1953).
Operetta in 3 acts, first performed in Berlin in 1935.

Synopsis

Mayor Johann Georg von Schrenk is visiting Sybilla, a beautiful, aristocratic lady he is distantly related to, but who he has not seen since childhood. Sybilla, is now a widow, and lives with her brother Ludwig, under the watchful eyes of her servants. At times, in need of a change from these inhibiting surroundings, Sybilla visits Bonbonniere, one of her smaller residences, to socialise and have fun. These visits eventually upset Sybilla's father, August, who decides that his daughter must give up her frivolous ways and choose between three prospective hubands her lines up for her. However, having met Johann in the meantime, and found him attractive, Sybilla rejects her father's pressure and opts for Johann. This development leads to much talk and gossip about the pair, who being truly in love, believe that they should be allowed to share it without being judged 'sinners'. Indeed, to examine the whole question as to whether to love someone can really be judged a 'sin', they set up a kind of moral court to look into the matter. And indeed, given that everyone at some time or other, has succumbed to desire and romance, could anyone escape being called a 'sinner'. And if love is a 'sin', is Sybilla the only guilty one?