Der lustige Krieg (The Merry War) is a three-act operetta composed by Johann Strauss II. The work was first performed on 25 November 1881 at the Theater an der Wien. Its libretto was by F. Zell (Camillo Walzel) and Richard Genée. The operetta was well received at its premiere, and was performed 69 times during its first run. Roles Synopsis Place: The garrisoned Mediterranean city of Massa. Time: First part of the 18th century It concerns a dispute between two states. The 'war' between them is played out as a game of love between Colonel Umberto Spinola, the commander-in-chief of the Genoese army, and the widowed Countess Violetta. Despite the name of the operetta, there is no fighting or bloodshed in the 'war'. Recordings Johann Strauss: Der lustige Krieg, Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Wiener Motettenchor Conductor: Ulf Schirmer Principal singers: Eva Mei, Jorma Silvasti, , Jörg Schneider, Paul Armin Edelmann, Birgid Steinberger Recording date: Label: ORF CD240 References Operas by Johann Strauss II 1881 operas German-language operettas Operas Italy in fiction