Tchaikovsky concertos for violin and Orchestra in D major, op.35

I have spend the evening listening to Tchaikovsky for violin and Orchestra performed by the great David Oistrakh and another cd by the great Heifetz... Wonderful and touching!






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Merry Christmas 2011

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姜育恆 sister's Korean restaurant

Went with Eva and Gus to the restaurant for dinner.





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蔡琴

My search for 蔡琴 cd continues with these. I like especially the 歌舞劇cd, which is quite a rare cd.
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The Decca Sound

For those of you who wants to get into the world of classical cd, this Decca Sound box set (50 CDs) is a must as it has many highly recommended recording including the Amsermet, Argenta, Marriner, Solti, etc. Selling at Hk$880 for 50 CDs, it's a real bargain!





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Willie Nelson TEATRO

This is another great Willie Nelson CD. You can feel the emotional heartbreak and struggles, sorrows and regrets from Willie's voice and the music..

姜育恆: 愛的痕跡，我和我的朋友

These two cds were not available in Hkg and will have to be bought from Taipei. Thanks Gus for helping to find the two CDs.



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Hong kong Cantonese musics

I love hong kong and the Cantonese music. Heard the Crown record has gone into bankruptcy.. So better buy the old Crown records cd fast..











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Tannoy mini autograph

Forget to mention my Tannoy mini. After weeks of burning in using my mini combo radio, these have been fully " burned in" and began to sing beautifully. I missed my Tad 300 but I know that the tad 300 would not fit my new apartment decoration and would have to go. Luckily, my Tannoy is able to fit nicely both in term of my music demand and in term of design and look.

I often missed the LS3/5a too but I know I don't enjoy the tiredness after one hour of listening plus the ever troublesome speakers placement which kills the joy of music and relaxation. After all. The LS3/5a are speakers are originally planned for use as broadcast speakers for BBC mobile van units.

The Tannoy mini had been discontinued. My guess is that not many people is willing to pay so much for a small set of bookshelf speakers. For me, these babies are my second set as my first was sold to a friend which I have regretted deeply. I am so glad to be able to find one set in such pristine conditions.

The Tannoy relax musical tone will definitely capture the hearts of of those who listens to sentimental music in the middle of the night...just let the music flows...



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Listening : Willie Nelson healing hands of time

With all my traveling, I have hardly time to turn on my hifi. This evening, I decided to put much efforts to listen to Willie Nelson healing Hands of time (recorded in 1994). For those who enjoy music and vocal, this CD is a must!

I am so glad that my Western Electric amplifiers continues to provide me with the joy of music. At one time, I have lost wanted to sell my hifi...glad that my amplifier is still with me. After all, I have spent much time to search for them and my guess is that it will be near impossible to find them in such nice cosmetic conditions..

My vintage watches and pen collection have grown slowly but nicely, which is good as I take these as part of my "forced saving".

Very often, I have wondered why we need to collect things! My guess is that it helps to give one the joy of finding and owning. I have stopped collecting hifi gears as amplifiers need to be in constant use in order to keep them in good health. With my need for constant business traveling, keeping and using multiple amplifiers is near impossible. As such, I do envy those who has the time to rotate their amplifiers in keeping them in good form.

For those who enjoy vintage amplifiers, you have to try the Western Electric amplifiers as these are the king of amplifiers. Instead of keeping so many sets of amplifiers, just focus on your resources on the best!

Western Electric is like the Patek Philiipe of the watch world. A true classic and timeless..




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Chai chin

Just found one 1989 cd...



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姜育恆

1980年代
1984 愛我·孤獨之旅
1984 什麼時候
1985 但願長醉
1985 單色夢
1986 昨日夢已遠
1987 驛動的心
1988 一世情緣
1988 跟往事乾杯
1989 多年以後·再回首
1989 想哭就哭·我還有夢
1989 心歌I

1990年代
1990 心歌II
1991 一個人
1991 旅
1992 有空來坐坐
1993 別讓我一個人醉
1993 姜育恆不朽金曲精選I
1993 生命與愛（韓語專輯）
1994 姜育恆不朽金曲精選II
1994 痛快的歌
1995 其實我真的很在乎
1996 男人的心也會痛
1997 地圖
1997 兩個永恆

2000年代
2000 女人的選擇
2000 愛我，你怕了嗎
2000 往事回味精選1
2000 往事回味精選2
2003 劉家昌之歌I
2003 劉家昌之歌II

2010年代
2010 《愛的痕迹》。。。
2011 我和我的朋友




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Willie again

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Soul jazz

This is one of the classic William So jazz CD from the 1997.. It's a must for audiophiles who wants great recording, vocal and saxaphone..


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Willie Nielson Healing hands of Time

This is a special Willie Nelson CD as the arrangement of this music is unique. Willie takes 6 of his own previously released songs, and 4 other very familiar tunes, and records them with an orchestra, torch song style.

Willie's unique vocal style sets the tone for this CD, and the orchestra provides the mood. The combination of the two makes for a sound that is richer and more profound than his original recordings. Highly recommended with 5 stars rating


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Dangerous liaisons sound track

This is one of my all-time favorite soundtracks from the 1989. The soundtracks are nice as its music perfectly evokes the film's spirit and themes by combining historically pertinant pieces by Handel ,Bach, and Gluck, with original compositions by George Fenton. From the soundtrack despairing passion undercuts selections like "Beyond My Control" and "A Final Request", reminding the listener of the film's dark emotions and actions. There are also the lighter moments with "Emilie" and "Ombra mai fu."

It's a must for those love classical and opera..5 stars ratings


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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

James bond weapon

Cool weapon!












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Alison Kruss

For those who love country music with emotional vocal and guitar string, this is for you!


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Location:Gilstead Rd,,Singapore

Tannoy mini autograph speakers

During the Mid Autumn festival night, I took the opportunity to pack my hifi equipment and now, the Tannoy mini autograph has finally assumed the main stage. With this, I will have to start the process of running in and burn in of the speakers...


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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

Danny

I have been extremely busy lately traveling and preparing for the launches of the new watch brands. Nevertheless, I have managed to squeeze some time to listen to Danny cd compilation.

This is a good cd as it has put all the best and memorable songs into 2 CDs. In addition, it has Danny's commentary, which expresses his thoughts and emotions with regards to the various songs. It will make you appreciate his songs better...



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Jvc HAFXT90

JVC launched a new dual dynamic transducers based IEM called the HA-FXT90. The drivers are in what JVC refers as the 'TWIN system' where no crossover seems to be used but instead the driver themselves have different diaphragm materials that reproduce different region of sound, then mix together naturally inside the IEM.

From an early preview from Japan has suggested that it has a very powerful bass. The one good news is this is not a particularly expensive IEM. MSRP is 10000Yen ( = US$120 or Hk1180. With the twin drivers, one can expect it to perform like a mini speakers with high and low frequencies.

I went to the JVC showroom for an audition and I am so impressed with it that I bought it to use with my portable player PCM M10 and also for use during my flights on business trips.

Protecting our ears is important and a good pair of headphone will certainly help. There are many much more ex waive headphone but I guess this JVC is good enough for me given the nice price performance ratio... Enjoy







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Return of the Tannoy Mini Autograph

I used to have a pair of Tannoy Mini Autograph. However, owing to pressures from my friend, I have sold it to him. These was launched in late 2006 and i believe it has been discontinued..

I have been on a "leisurely" search for the Mini Autograph ( for more then one year plus and today, I am lucky as one of my old friend Richard has cut love his set to me... : )

If you asked me to recommend you prettiest set of speakers, the Tannoy Mini is it! Besides visual appealing, in term of sound stage, it is magnificent too! I have always missed my Tannoy..these little mini Tannoy shall be able to satisfy my desire for the Tannoy sound... This was one of the occasion where I really felt excited with these "new" toys!

Photo of my old set up: Tannoy Mini Autograph + Leak 12.1 + Fishers 50c

For review, please see:

http://www.yoursoundsource.com/tannoy-prestige-mini-autograph.html

http://www.colab.be/2-marque-56-170.htm

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/tannoy4/autographmini.html

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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

Great CDs

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Need to find the following CDs

1982年9月  《一千個春天》四海
1982年9月 《再愛我一次》海山
1983年3月 《不了情》海山
1983年5月 《昨夜之燈》海山
1986年12月 《飛向未來》飛碟唱片
1987年9月 《第一種聲音》飛碟唱片
1987年12月 《美就是心中有愛》飛碟唱片 中華民國小姐選拔特別專輯
1989年10月 《談心》(ABOUNT HEARTS) 飛碟唱片
1991年12月 《太陽出來了》飛碟唱片
1998年2月 《答案》滾石 與萬芳合唱單曲
1999年9月 《精選蔡琴》EMI
1999年9月 《沒有男人的房子不算家》華納唱片 【天使不夜城】歌舞劇原聲帶
2001年7月 《橘子紅了》常喜
2002年1月 《蔡琴一起走來香港演唱會Live》倍特
2002年8月 《意亂琴迷》蔡琴懷舊精選 華納唱片
2004年2月 《最動聽的蔡琴》華納唱片
2004年3月 《抒琴時間》華納唱片
2005年5月 《一千個春天》【經典復刻版】五四三音樂站

蔡琴 CD updates

年份 專輯 發行商
1982年9月 《一千個春天》四海
1982年9月 《再愛我一次》海山
1982年11月 藍色的夢》海山
1983年3月 《不了情》海山
1983年5月 《昨夜之燈》海山
1983年11月《世界名曲專輯》海山
1984年4月 《此情可待》

1985年7月 《癡癡的等》 蔡琴老歌 - 癡癡的等 飛碟唱片
1986年 《蔡琴個人演唱會精選》

1983年10月14日-10月16日香港大專會堂演唱會片段
1986年3月 《傷心小站》(HEARTBREAK STATION)
1986年10月 人生就是戲》(LIFE IS A SHOW) 飛碟唱片
1986年12月 《飛向未來》飛碟唱片
1987年9月 《第一種聲音》飛碟唱片
1987年11月 《時間的河》飛碟唱片
1987年12月 《美就是心中有愛》飛碟唱片 中華民國小姐選拔特別專輯
1988年6月 《火舞》(DANCE OF FIRE) 飛碟唱片
1989年10月 《談心》(ABOUNT HEARTS) 飛碟唱片
1990年12月 《回到未來》~國語懷念老歌 飛碟唱片
1990年12月 《回到未來》~台語懷念老歌 飛碟唱片
1991年12月 《太陽出來了》飛碟唱片
1992年7月 《你不要那樣看著我的眼睛》波麗佳音1993年9月 《一曲成名-輝煌時代》飛碟唱片
1994年1月 《新感情舊回憶》點將唱片
1995年7月 《午夜場》點將唱片
1996年1月 《民歌蔡琴》點將唱片
1996年2月 《情歌蔡琴》
1996年6月 《飄浪之女》台語專輯 點將唱片
1997年7月 《心太急》點將唱片
1998年2月 《答案》滾石 與萬芳合唱單曲
1998年9月 《原聲帶》華納唱片1999年2月 《音樂大世紀-歌癮十五年》飛碟唱片 飛碟群星合輯
1999年9月 《精選蔡琴》EMI
1999年9月 《沒有男人的房子不算家》華納唱片 【天使不夜城】歌舞劇原聲帶
2000年3月 《機遇》果陀劇場 【淡水小鎮】原聲帶
2000年6月 《遇見》常喜2000年9月 《花天走地》環球
2001年2月 金片子【壹】- 天涯歌女 常喜
2001年2月 金片子【貳】- 魂縈舊夢 常喜
2001年7月 《橘子紅了》常喜
2001年9月 《繼續》常喜
2002年1月 《蔡琴一起走來香港演唱會Live》倍特
2002年8月 《意亂琴迷》蔡琴懷舊精選 華納唱片
2003年9月 《情盡夜上海回憶錄》果陀劇場 【情盡夜上海】雋永老歌歌舞劇
2004年2月 《最動聽的蔡琴》華納唱片
2004年3月 《抒琴時間》華納唱片
2004年7月 《銀色月光下》廣州天藝
2005年5月 《一千個春天》【經典復刻版】五四三音樂站
2007年4月 《不了情2007經典歌曲香港演唱會》環球唱片
2007年10月 蔡琴《金聲演奏廳》環球唱片

做个简单快乐的人

Over the weekend, I was so tempted to visit the hifi show.

In the end, I didnt go as I know I am in the mood to change speakers again.  Since my aim is to 做个简单快乐的人, I have resisted all temptation to change my hifi set and still using the Tad 300+ Western ELectric 124b + Music First Audio pre amplifer = perfect!


I have spend quite some time listening to Karajan conducted Aida and Des Fledaurmaus and Dvorak's symphony no 9. My favourite CDs of the month must be Des Fledaurmaus and the Dvorak's No 9!

Mahler : Des Knaben Wunderhorn

在馬勒的《少年魔號》歌曲集中，收錄了一曲叫做「美麗號角響起處」的哀傷歌謠。

「是誰在外面敲門，輕柔將我喚醒？」



「是你最心愛的！起床吧，讓我進來，為何我還要站在外面？」



所謂的《少年魔號》歌曲來自同名詩集，是長達三百餘年、五百餘首日爾曼民間歌謠之選集，題材從俗世生活到神秘自然，堪稱無所不包。馬勒為此深深著迷，所寫下的《少年魔號》歌曲，也融合精緻技法和原始純粹，將童騃與殘酷、天真與戰亂，以渾然天成的音樂娓娓道來。



「你可真是久站了！



女孩對少年伸出雪白的手。



遠方夜鶯歌唱，女孩難忍哭泣。」



《少年魔號》的內容有多豐富？你可以聽到布穀和夜鶯比賽歌喉，最後卻找了不識美妙的長耳呆驢當評審，也可以聽到將被處死的士兵，哀唱人生最後的抱怨；前一曲，淙淙水聲中有著聖安東尼對魚群傳道的諷刺詼諧；後一首，卻是飢腸轆轆的孩子對媽媽哭嚎，麵包烤好卻已餓死的塵世悲劇……《少年魔號》何等驚奇，馬勒寫下的旋律又動人無比，難怪他一用再用，從歌曲到交響曲，處處都是魔號旋律。想認識馬勒，《少年魔號》絕對是最佳入門。



「啊，別哭，我的愛人!



明年妳將屬於我，這世間無人能取代！」



只是題材雖然多樣，論及哀傷，「美麗號角響起處」，當屬《少年魔號》之最。馬勒寫下極其美麗的旋律，那是女孩千等萬盼，終於熬到情郎歸來的甜蜜溫柔。可嘆那樂聲雖美，卻終究滲著幾許危疑不安。女孩為什麼哭？可能連男孩自己都不知道，他已經成為上天殘酷的玩笑。



「美麗號角響起處，是綠草如茵的遠方。



那是我家，我綠色的家。」



樂曲結尾，圖窮匕見。號角吹響的，不是英雄凱旋，卻是悼亡喪歌。那是戰死情郎化成鬼魂，要帶愛侶前往綠草如茵的新家。愛情雖在，卻已成為無奈憂傷的鬼故事。



何時不相會，偏要選今朝。或許那正是牛郎織女給世間男女的寓言，鬼月裡的情人節。



【2011/08/07 聯合晚報





Source:

全文網址: 樂聞樂思／鬼月裡的情人節
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Dicky Cheung : Full moon cd

This is Dicky Cheung's latest CD Full Moon! Really like all the sentimental songs!


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Die Fledermaus

These are one of the few best Die Fledermaus recording ( one in mono, and the other in stereo) conducted by Karajan..


 

The above CD:  Germany 西德压片。 企鵝三星。一盒兩張CD, 有说明书。 Schwarzkopf 施瓦茨科普夫 - Soprano 德国女高音, Gedda Nicolai 蓋達 - 男高音, Helmut Krebs...Etc. , Karajan 卡拉扬 - 指挥, Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus 英国爱乐乐团及合唱团, 1955年卡拉揚（Karajan）指揮英國愛樂樂團（Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus）演出的約翰‧施特勞斯（Johan Strauss）歌劇《蝙蝠》（Die Fledermaus）所錄制的單聲道唱片有著很好的清晰度和現場感，經過加工後成為許多人心目中的首選精品，施瓦茨科普夫（Schwarzkopf）的演唱十分迷人，顯示出了一種活力和天資，施特雷希（Streich）的花腔女高音技巧極其精湛，蓋達（Gedda）的演唱也十分精彩，《企鵝唱片指南》三星推薦！





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Shinji Tanimura 21th century best of the red & blue

This cd is from 2007' where Shinji has re-recorded his hits once again, after 25 years. Despite the age, Shinji has still managed to keep his musical strength and strong vocal...with even better emotional touch! In addition, the interpretation of his previous hits is one of rock & roll with additional instrumental music support.


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Teddy Goes to the movies

For those of you who wants canton pop with a twist of jazz can consider Teddy goes to the movies!


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Orchestra music for Japanese cartoon

Went shopping for CDs this afternoon and bought this cd, orchestra music or Japanese cartoons.

William So: Nice So Nice 蘇永康

蘇永康? This is my favorite William蘇永康 CD produced from the late 1990s. Even after so many years, the songs still sounded so nice. Yes, it's Nice so Nice.





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Lee HacKen concert hall 1 & 2 李克勤 -

For the Hong Kong artists, it's not easy to be part of the audiophiles collection. These two CDs by 李克勤 - Lee HacKen were attempts to penetrate the hifi audiophiles markets. Highly recommended..





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Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was found dead yesterday. RIP...Her voice reminds me of Billie Holiday. Her problems also remind me of the tragic of Billie Holiday.

The Back to Black album is an emotional cd with strong vocal and light instruments. For those of you who have not heard, suggest you buy one and listen,,






Amy Jade Winehouse (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011) was a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres including R&B, soul and jazz.

Winehouse's 2003 debut album, Frank, was critically successful in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her 2006 follow-up album, Back to Black, led to six Grammy Award nominations and five wins, tying the record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night, and made Winehouse the first British singer to win five Grammys,[3][4] including three of the "Big Four": Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. On 14 February 2007, she won a BRIT Award for Best British Female Artist; she had also been nominated for Best British Album. She won the Ivor Novello Award three times, one in 2004 for Best Contemporary Song (musically and lyrically) for "Stronger Than Me", one in 2007 for Best Contemporary Song for "Rehab", and one in 2008 for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for "Love Is a Losing Game", among other prestigious distinctions. The album was the third biggest seller of the 2000s in the United Kingdom.
Winehouse was credited as an influence in the rise in popularity of female musicians and soul music, and also for revitalising British music. Winehouse's distinctive style made her a muse for fashion designers such as Karl Lagerfeld. The singer's problems with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as self-destructive behaviour, were regular tabloid news from 2007 until her death. She and her former husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, were plagued by legal troubles that left him serving prison time. In 2008, Winehouse faced a series of health complications that threatened both her career and her life.
Winehouse died at the age of 27 on 23 July 2011 at her home in London;police have said that the cause of her death was "as yet unexplained".


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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

My dog

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Die Fledermaus

For those who want to give a try at listening to Operetta can try Die Fledermaus., a very musical piece that will certainly delight all..

However, for us who couldn't understand German, we will have to read the booklet with English translation and follow conversation..it's not an easy but after a while, you will get used to it... Enjoy

In addition, one could also read the Synopsis to understand the plot and story...

This is one my favorite operetta, lively and delightful and joyfully musical..






Synopsis








Die Fledermaus

Composer: Johann Strauss

ACT I. Vienna, 1890s. Through the windows of the Eisenstein home floats the serenade of Alfred, a tenor still in love with his old flame Rosalinde, now the wife of Gabriel von Eisenstein. Adele, a chambermaid, saunters in reading an invitation to a masked ball; Rosalinde, bedeviled by a headache and believing she has heard Alfred's voice, enters but finds only Adele. The maid asks for the evening off to visit a "sick aunt," a plea her mistress dismisses. Alfred steps into the room and begins to woo Rosalinde, who resists his verbal blandishments but melts on hearing his high A. The suitor leaves as Eisenstein and his lawyer, Blind, arrive from a session in court: Eisenstein has been sentenced to a fortnight in jail for a civil offense. No sooner does he dismiss the incompetent advocate than his friend Falke comes to invite Eisenstein to a masquerade, suggesting he bring along his repeater stop-watch, which charms all the ladies, so he can accumulate pleasant memories to sustain him during his confinement in jail. Rosalinde joins Adele in a bittersweet farewell to Eisenstein before he goes off to prison, got up, to his wife's surprise, in full evening dress. Sending Adele to her "aunt," Rosalinde receives the ardent Alfred. Their tête-à-tête is interrupted by the warden Frank, who mistakes Alfred for the man he has come to arrest. Rosalinde persuades Alfred to save her name by posing as her husband, and Frank carts him off to jail.

ACT II. In an antechamber at the palace of Prince Orlofsky, the nobleman's guests, Adele and her cousin Ida among them, await the arrival of their host. Orlofsky enters, quite bored — even with Falke's promise of a comedy of errors. The prince proclaims his guests free to do anything that suits their fancy — "Chacun à son gout." Adele, dressed in one of Rosalinde's most elegant gowns, laughs off Eisenstein's suggestion that she resembles his wife's chambermaid. Frank enters, and Rosalinde, also invited by Falke, arrives disguised as a temperamental Hungarian countess; she is soon wooed by her own reeling husband, whose pocket watch she steals to hold as proof of his philandering. Rosalinde agrees to sing a song about her "native" land, a spirited czardas, after which the guests move on to a magnificent dining area to toast the joys of wine, good fellowship and love. Champagne flows, and the guests dance wildly until dawn. When the clock strikes six, Eisenstein staggers off to keep his appointment at the jail.

ACT III. Moments later at the prison, Frosch, a drunken jailer, tries to keep order among the inmates, who are unable to sleep because of Alfred's singing. Frank arrives, still giddy with champagne, followed shortly by Ida and Adele, who, thinking him a theatrical agent, believes he might further her stage aspirations. Frank, hearing someone at the door, hides the girls in a cell and then admits Eisenstein, who has come to begin his sentence. The new prisoner is surprised to learn his cell is already occupied by a man who claims to be Eisenstein and who was found supping with Rosalinde; to obtain an explanation from the impostor, Eisenstein snatches a legal robe and wig from his astonished lawyer. No sooner is he disguised than Rosalinde hurries in to secure Alfred's release and press divorce charges against her errant husband. With her would-be paramour, she confides her flirtation to the "lawyer." Enraged, Eisenstein removes his disguise and accuses his wife of promiscuity, at which Rosalinde whips forth the watch she took from him at the ball. Orlofsky and his guests arrive to celebrate the reconciliation of Rosalinde and Eisenstein, singing a final toast as Eisenstein is taken away.

-- courtesy of Opera News


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