Fidelio an der Wien. Beethoven was to set a new libretto by Schikaneder, entitled "Vestas Feuer"; however, this libretto was not to Beethoven's liking. He spent about a month composing music for it, then abandoned it when the libretto for "Fidelio" came to his attention. The time Beethoven spent on "Vestas Feuer" was not entirely wasted, as two important numbers from "Fidelio", Pizarro's "'Ha! Welch’ ein Augenblick!" and the duet "O namenlose Freude" for Leonora and Florestan, both originated as music for "Vestas Feuer". Beethoven remained as a resident of the Theater an der Wien for some time after he had
Fidelio the beautiful weather. Marzelline similarly begs him, and Rocco agrees to distract Pizarro while the prisoners are set free. The prisoners, ecstatic at their temporary freedom, sing joyfully ("O welche Lust"—"O what a joy"), but remembering that they might be caught by the prison's governor Pizarro, are soon quiet. After meeting with Pizarro, Rocco reenters and tells Fidelio that Pizarro will allow the marriage, and Fidelio will also be permitted to join Rocco on his rounds in the dungeon ("Nun sprecht, wie ging's?"—"Speak, how did it go?"). Rocco and Fidelio prepare to go to Florestan's cell, with the knowledge that