I may prefer Die Fledermaus just a tad, but The Gypsy Baron I love just as much, it is just as funny and charming and the music is wonderful. And this 1975 film version is just fantastic, like the operetta promises it is hilarious and charming often at the same time. The story is silly and quite complicated, but that's more the opera than the film, regardless the story still interests you. There is never a dull moment, it simply flies by, and lovingly photographed it looks beautiful, both the countryside and Vienna. Musically, it is just as striking, lively and lush orchestral playing and understated conducting really help. And all the performances are great. Biserka Cvejić is a knowing Czipra, even if her somewhat youthful voice betrays her make-up. The Gypsy Baron was Siegfried Jerusalem's breakthrough role, and you can see why as he is very charming and debonair especially in Als Flotter Geist/Ja, Das Alles Auf Ehr'. He is well partnered by delightful performances from both Janet Perry(Sieh' Da, Ein Herrlich Frauenbild is her at her best here) and Ellen Shade(sublime with Jerusalem in Wer Uns Getraut), as well as a hilarious Ivan Rebroff, especially when he boasts of his adventures as a soldier and seducer, and a commanding Wolfgang Brendel, whose Recruitment Song is likewise stirring. In conclusion, fantastic, anyone who loves Strauss' music but for some reason hasn't seen this I recommend it with no hesitation. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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