Arabella was first heard in 1933. A kind of sequel to Der Rosenkavalier of 1911, it was to take its place as one of Richard Strauss’s more popular operas, thanks to its good-natured story and pleasing, romantic music. Originally conceived as an operetta in the style of Lehár, it blended together features of operetta, opera, and musical theater. This live broadcast from 1973 features great singers in a crackling performance.