Arthur Nikisch, to whom Nessler dedicated the opera,[1] conducted the first performance at the Carola-Theater [de] (or Stadttheater) in Leipzig on 4 May 1884.

It was Nessler's greatest success, albeit in part because of the popularity of von Scheffel's poem.

It was subsequently given at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on 23 November 1887, and at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London on 8 July 1892 by the Hamburg Stadttheater, conducted by Leo Feld.

The trumpeter Werner loves Maria, the daughter of the Baron, but her father and mother want her to marry the cowardly Damian.

Werner proves himself a hero and is opportunely discovered to be of noble birth, so all ends happily.