Rittmeister Brand; Bertram Vogelweid

Dietrich Brand is the heir to a venerable Viennese trading house, a lineage that has thrived for nearly a century. Yet, instead of following the well‑trod path of commerce, he feels a restless call to the uniform, convinced that the army is the only arena where he can truly shape and discipline society. His parents, especially his pragmatic father, struggle to accept this unconventional ambition, fearing the loss of their family’s mercantile legacy. The tension between duty to family and personal destiny sets the stage for a compelling clash of values.

Brand’s fierce determination quickly earns him a reputation for unwavering patience and iron‑clad discipline—traits that make him stand out among his comrades. His mother, initially bewildered, becomes an enthusiastic student of military life, proudly proclaiming each new rank her son attains. As a newly commissioned lieutenant in the cavalry, Dietrich begins to command a troop, already glimpsing the power of the uniform to mould both men and horses. Listeners will be drawn into his early struggles, his drive to become more than a soldier, and the promise of a career that could reshape the very fabric of his world.