About the work
Opera in a prologue and three acts by Victor Ernst Nessler to a libretto by Rudolf Bunge, based on Joseph Victor von Scheffel's epic poem of the same name (1854); first performed on 4 May 1884 at the Leipzig City Theatre under Arthur Nikisch, to whom Nessler dedicated the opera.
Plot
The penniless trumpeter Werner earns his keep at the court of the Baron von Schönau as music teacher to the baron's daughter Maria and falls in love with her, even though their difference in rank seems to rule out any match. After intrigue, a duel and Werner's banishment, it finally emerges that he himself is of noble birth, removing the obstacle of rank and allowing the lovers to be united.
Cultural significance
Der Trompeter von Säckingen became Nessler's greatest success overnight and made him famous throughout the German-speaking world, helped by the already immense popularity of Scheffel's poem. Further performances followed, including in 1887 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and in 1892 by a Hamburg ensemble at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London; the town of Säckingen made Nessler an honorary citizen in recognition.