L'Amico Fritz Synopsis

1890, The Alsace Region of the German Empire

Scene 1 (Terrace of Fritz's house): Fritz Kobus, a wealthy and generous landowner, has sworn to remain a bachelor, and cannot fathom falling in love. David, a rabbi, predicts that within a year Fritz will march down the marriage aisle. Two other bachelor friends, Federico and Hanezo, drop by to wish Fritz brithday tidings. Suzel, daughter of Fritz's tenant, arrives with a birthday bouquet, and the fiddle of Beppe is heard playing a song honoring Fritz's kind nature. After Suzel leaves, David slyly comments that he is bound to marry her off to some young farmer. Fritz protests that she is just a girl, and David bets that marriage is also in Fritz's future, with Fritz's
vineyard as the wager. The scene ends with neighbors coming to extend birthday greetings to Fritz.

Scene 2 (An orchard near Suzel's house): Suzel sings a romantic ditty, and Fritz enters complimenting her on her singing. Captivated by her charm, he helps her with her chores. In the "Cherry Duet", they feel their attraction blossoming. Bells herald the arrival of his friends beckoning Fritz to join them in a drive in the countryside, but David feigns fatigue and stays behind with Suzel. Suzel offers David a drink, and David tells her that her kindness reminds him of the biblical story of of Isaac and Rebecca. The parallel with Suzel's own situation prompts David to urge her to marry a nice young man from the region. Fritz returns, and David tests his reactions to
a tale of having found a suitable husband for Suzel. Fritz is upset by the news and, overcome with emotion, runs off without a word of farewell to Suzel, who is confused and despondent over Fritz's departure.

Scene 3 (Fritz's terrace): Fritz cannot forget Suzel, and Beppe attempts to comfort him with a song written under the influence of unhappy love. Left alone, Fritz laments that if even Beppe is troubled by love then all is hopeless indeed. Suzel, bringing fruit for Fritz, sings plaintively of her sorrow. Fritz asks if she is really to be married. She begs to be saved from a match she doesn't desire. Relieved, Fritz admits his love for her and they sing of their future bliss. David wins his bet and all wish the couple well. When David tries to convince Federico and Hanezo of the virtues of marriage, the two bachelors beat a hasty retreat.