 Korngold worked on the piece from 1946 to 1951, with a version (shortened from 180 to 100 minutes) being premiered by Radio Vienna in 1951.The full version was first staged in 1954 by Theater Dortmund to negative critical response.The recording of the shortened version by Radio Vienna in 1951 featured sopranos Hilde Ceska (Silvia), Rosl Schwaiger (Luise), Liane Synek, mezzo-soprano Tonja Sontis, contralto Hansi Schenk (Probierdamen), baritone (Caretto), the actors Fred Liewehr (Andrea Cocle), Egon von Jordan (Benedetto), Franz Böheim (Borzalino), Susi Witt (Geschäftsführerin), Felix Dombrowsky (Carlo Marcellini), Herbert Hauk (Pater); conducted by the composer.