The operetta DIE LUSTIGE WITWE (THE MERRY WIDOW), IFL 12 was written in 1905 by Austro-Hungarian composer Franz Lehar (1870-1948), with a libretto by Viktor Leon and Leo Stein. The story tells of a rich widow for whom her countrymen attempt to find her a new husband that will keep her money in the principality. The operetta was successful when it premiered on December 30, 1905, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, with Lehar conducting, and it has remained a staple of the opera repertoire ever since. Instrumentation: 2 (2nd d. Picc).2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Perc(6): Hp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Banda (Gtr.Tamburin.BFid.3 Lutes.Str 1-1-1-1-1): Vocal Soli (14 roles SSSAATTBBBBBB): Chorus. Piano-Conductor in set. Reprint edition.