Sári 1914 (Der Zigeunerprimas 1912)

In two acts by Emmerich Kálmán (1882-1953)
Original Book and Lyrics by Julius Wilhelm and Max Grünbaum
Original English libretto by C.C. Cushing and E.P. Heath (1914)
First Performancein USA: Liberty Theater, NYC, January 13, 1914

Act I – The country home of Pali Rácz, renowned gypsy violinist. Rácz, for many years was the leader of an international gypsy orchestra which played for all the heads of state in Europe. He is now retired, with gout, and is looked after by his eldest daughter, Sári, who not only keeps house for him but also takes charge of her younger siblings. Despite his age, Rácz is set on marrying for a fourth time, and the object of his affection is his Juliska, his niece, who happens to love the older man’s son, Laczi. Laczi, who was trained in Budapest, follows the music of the classical composers, instead of this music of his own heritage. He cannot be content with only Hungarian folksongs and czardas melodies, but loves the music of Bach, Handel, and Wagner, and is a cause of contention in the household with his father. When Count Gaston Irini and his companion Cadeau arrive, they invite the Count’s old friend Rácz to play for a reception in Paris to be given in honor of the King of Massillia’s visit. Rácz is interested, but Sári refuses, saying that his father is in no condition to travel that far. The suggestion that Laczi take her father’s place is vehemently rejected by the old man. This hurts Laczi and he leaves the family home to prove himself and his music. Juliska is unhappy with his decision but cannot say anything since she is to marry his father. Finally, persuaded by his friends and family, Rácz agrees to go. Gaston is delighted not only that the zigeunerprim ás will play, but that Sári, by whom he is completely smitten, will accompany her father to Paris.

Act II – The ballroom of the Irini Palace in Paris is ready to receive the King of Massillia. Rácz has traveled here alone, but is soon followed by Sari and Juliska from Hungary. During the reception, the attraction between Sári and Gaston grows stronger as does the attraction between Juliska and Laczi, who has been in Paris for the past few months as the conductor of the Irini Orchestra. Gaston faces being disinherited by his family for thinking of marrying a commoner, but throws caution to the wind, and continues his courtship of Sári. Juliska, although madly in love with Laczi, does not want to hurt Rácz. The King arrives and is incognito as Count Estragon, and when the time comes for Rácz to play, he cannot be found. So as to not keep His Majesty waiting, Laczi then steps in to begin playing, and while he plays Rácz enters the salon and witnesses his son’s success. He is now asked to play but refuses, but finally begins to tunes his fiddle and launches into his old gypsy czardas pieces, but the King is frankly bored. That is the proof that he is past his prime.

Rácz realizes that he must relinquish his title of zigeunerprim ás to his son. With that he gives up Juliska as his intended bride, knowing that she is truly in love with Laczi. Cadeau announces that he had the intention to ask for Sari’s hand but he found himself too late since Gaston asked for Sári’s hand in marriage, deciding that the woman in his life is more important than his title and riches. His Majesty fixes that my naming Sari the Countess Stradivarius, so that Gaston can retain his riches by marrying a lady of title.