The Count of Saint Elmo

This is not just an Italian operetta although dominated by old classical 19th century operetta evergreens by Meyerbeer and Johan Strauss, with sumptuous ball scenes and.gorgeous crinolines in almost every scene and some very romantic intrigues concerning brigands and freedom fighters and of course lovely ladies, one more enchanting than the other; but there is actually some serious business here, with a touch of the Risorgimento movement to create a free Italy, and some very chivalrous manoeuvres to save a caught freedom fighter's life by offering your own, and actually waiting for your execution - there is a touch of Tosca here also, although the entire action is in Naples. Apart from the splendid operetta and ball room music there are also Napolitan songs and tarantellas to add to the charm, which gradually builds up to a romantic momentum of great dramatic potential, reminding even of the drama at the Château d'If in "The Count of Monte Christo", there is even an important abbé here, and the conclusion is ingenious in its surprising U-turn by the destiny of love.