Schwanda the Bagpiper

Libretto by Milos Kares (Cz,G)

Major roles: dramS,heldT,Bar; minor roles: dramM,B;
small roles: 5T,2B; chorus;
3(II,III=picc).2(II=corA).2(II=bcl).2(II=dbn)-4.3(=bugles).3.1-
timp.perc(3): tgl/cyms/SD/BD/tam-t/tamb/xyl/glsp/carillon-2harp-cel-org-
strings;

Reduced scoring: 2(II=picc).2.2.2-3.2.2.0-timp.perc:3tgl/cyms/BD/SD/t
am-t/susp.cym/xyl/tamb/chimes/t.bells-org-cel-pft(ad lib)-strings

Fairytale setting

Schwanda, the finest bagpiper in the region, lives with his wife Dorota in great happiness. One day, however, the robber Babinski, who is being pursued by foresters, turns up at their home and receives a warm welcome. Schwanda hears Babinski's stories of other countries and great wealth with interest, and agrees to go with him to visit a sad Queen, in the spell of a wicked Magician, whom nothing can cheer up. With Babinski he soon arrives in the Queen's palace, where his music-making has the desired effect, making all the courtiers dance and the Queen herself smile. She is so pleased that she offers to marry him and – momentarily forgetting Dorota – he agrees. The marital plans are forestalled, however, when Dorota turns up. Schwanda is threatened with execution, but Babinski returns the prisoner his bagpipes with which he is able to escape. When Dorota asks him if he kissed the Queen, Schwanda replies that he will go to hell if he did – and instantly finds himself there. The devil tricks Schwanda into signing away his soul, but Babinski saves him by beating the devil at a game of cards. At last he can return home, but Babinski – who wants Dorota for himself – tells Schwanda that in his long absence she has become an old woman. This proves not to be the case, and she and Schwanda are finally reunited.

Comic