The story is full of colorful characters, all sung and acted with distinction. Michael Volle is a hermit who has raised his son Simplicius (Martin Zysset) in isolation from humanity until, at age 20, he is abducted by soldiers and comes into contact with reality. Other vivid performances are given by Rolf Haunstein as a rather absurd general, Elizabeth Magnuson as his silly daughter, Oliver Widmer as an astrologer, and Louise Martini as Schnappslotte, who sells liquor to the soldiers. Martina Jankova steals the show as her daughter Tilly, and Liliana Nikiteanu makes much of a small role as a Swedish spy. So many strong performances have rarely been assembled in one video. --Joe McLellan

Description
Based on Grimmelhausen's seventeenth-century picaresque novel, set during the Thirty Years' War, Simplicius is the ingenuous hero of a tortuous tale of concealed identities and thwarted love - which leads, of course, to a happy ending. David Pountney's witty and ingenious staging for the Zuerich Opera brings out the very best in the extraordinary and exceptional work. Stars Michael Volle, Martin Zysset, and Rolf Haunstein.

A Marvelous Operetta by the "Waltz King" Johann Strauss   November 2, 2005

Better look for the CD   May 13, 2005

Great music, weird staging   November 4, 2004

Not operetta, not opera, worth every penny   February 6, 2004

It has quickly become a personal favorite.


Simply Delicious!   January 12, 2004
  8 out of 8 found this review helpful

At first glance, I was a little intimidated by the plot synopsis of Simplicius, but it turned out to be a delightful love story filled with beautiful Strauss waltz music.

Before a word is spoken, you will hear the lovely melodic theme of the operetta, which translates loosely as, "Now I like to go back in time, to that blissful distant past." It is a hauntingly beautiful melody, which has too long been neglected by the music world. You will recognize it as it turns up again and again during the story--but you will not tire of it! It also appears at the finale, as a grand finish to a happy-ending love story, which Strauss himself preferred to his better-known Gypsy Baron. (Perhaps it's just the romantic in me, but I think I hear Strauss, looking back on his long, successful life as a composer of beautiful waltzes.)

There are many other delightful songs adding spice throughout the story, but my favorite part of the operetta is the growing love between Tilly and "Simple." Martina Jankova as Tilly is irresitible, both in her singing and her acting skills. You'll love her fitful frustration at trying to get "Simple" to realize he loves her. I predict that we will see much more of Jankova in the future--she has all the skills to delight audiences.

The costumes and scenery are as close to perfection as the singing and acting. It is hard to believe that such a wonderful musical work has lain untouched for more than a century. This troupe has done justice to Simplicius, as the operetta has proclaimed Strauss' brilliance. And we happy few who have seen it, reap the delicious harvest.