Fidelio, Op. 72

•Originally titled Leonore•First version composed 1804-5 to a libretto by Joseph Sonnleithner; premiered 20 November 1805•Second version revised 1805-6 to a revised libretto by Stephan von Breuning; premiered 29 March 1806•Fidelio (3rd version) revised 1814 to a revised libretto by Friedrich Treitschke; premiered 23 May 1814

Joseph Sonnleithner

Theater-an-der-Wien

The Question of the Four Overtures

• Overture to Fidelio – traditionally used to begin performances today

• Leonore Overture 1 – written for a performance in Prague, and not really the first

• Leonore Overture No. 3 – played at the unsuccessful premiere

• Leonore No. 3 – Written for and played at the 1806 revival; now traditionally played between the final two scenes