Act One

A ball is taking place at Count Lichtenfels' home, celebrating Lisa's victory in a riding contest. Lisa finds such events are boring her ("Gern, gern war ich verliebt"). Count Gustl proposes to her, now that he has enough money to marry on, but she refuses, as she has fallen in love with Prince Sou-Chong, a Chinese diplomat. Sou-Chong has just sent her a gift, a magnificent statue of the Buddha. Lisa and Gustl agree to remain friends, and he still has hopes of winning her love ("Es ist nicht das ersternal"). Sou-Chong arrives, and, while waiting to be announced, muses that her house seems to be the holiest place he knows, so much so that he trembles when he enters it. He is deeply attracted to her, but fears that for her he is just an exotic curiosity, and so keeps his feelings hidden behind his smile ("Immer nur lacheln und immer vergnugt"). He and Lisa enjoy a cup of tea together ("Bei einem Tee à deux"), and at her request, he describes the process of courtship in China, to her friends ("Von Apfelbluten einen Kranz"). As he portrays a young man singing to the woman he loves, he turns to Lisa. He receives a message that his father died, and that he must return to China to assume the role of Prime Minister. When he finds Lisa to say goodbye, she tells him of a song that has enchanted her ("Ein Lied, es verfolgt"), and he admits that he is leaving his heart behind. She suggests that he take it with him, instead, and to his delight, says that she will gladly follow him to China.

Act Two

In Beijing, Sou-Chong, in a majestic ceremony, is given the yellow jacket signifying his new role ("Dschinthien wuomen ju chon ma goa can"). Lisa has come to China with him, and they are deeply in love ("Wer hat die Liebe"). Mi, his very Westernized sister, sings, albeit with spirit, of the restrictions placed upon her by the old-fashioned court ("Im Salon zur blau'n Pagode"). She is immediately attracted to Gustl, who has come in pursuit of Lisa, and they talk about the different ways of saying ("I love you") although love is the same the world around ("Meine Liebe, deine Liebe"). Tschang, uncle of Sou-Chong and Mi, reminds Sou-Chong that according to tradition, he must take four wives. Sou-Chong reassures Lisa that his entire heart belongs to her ("Deine is mein ganzes Herz"). Lisa, already disenchanted, suddenly feels homesick when she sees Gustl ("Ich mocht wieder einmal"). She watches the wedding processing bringing the four brides and tells Sou-Chong that she will return to Vienna. He refuses to permit it, though she tells him that by giving orders, he has turned her love to hate ("Mit welchen Recht?"). He gives orders forbidding her to leave the palace, and alone, he is horrified and mourns over their lost love ("Ihr Gotter sagt"), giving a locket she gave him as an offering to the Buddha.

Act Three

Lisa is confined in the women's quarters, and slaves try to cheer her up. Gustl bribes his way in, saying that they can escape through the temple. Mi is glad for Lisa, and excited to be defying the rules, but privately desolated at Gustl's departure ("Zi, zig, zig, zig, ih!"), and they bid one another goodbye, ("Wie rasch verwelkt") with bittersweet affection. When Lisa and Gustl are about to leave, they find Sou-Chong blocking the doorway. However, at Lisa's reminders of their past love and pleas to allow her her freedom ("Dieselbe Sonne, die uber Europa scheint"), he gives in, asking Gustl to watch over her. He then turns to comfort Mi, telling her they will both hide their sorrow under their smiles.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.