Das Spitzentuch der Königin

Strauss’ seventh operetta (1880) was soon to become his most successful so far. Portugal’s unscrupulous prime minister wants to sell the country off to Spain. The young king’s interests focus entirely on gourmet specialties and amorous adventures, so the end of the monarchy looms large. Luckily, Cervantes (no less) arrives by chance in Lisbon and saves the day. Strauss based his much-loved waltz Roses from the South on tunes from this operetta. With its zany humour it now returns to the theatre where it was premiered.