Composer

:

Pietro Mascagni

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Publication Date

:

1921

First Performance

:

May 2, 1921

Average_duration

:

127:05

Il piccolo Marat is an opera in one act composed by Pietro Mascagni. The opera was composed in 1921 and premiered on May 25, 1921, at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome. The libretto was written by Luigi Illica, who also wrote the libretto for Puccini's Tosca. The plot of Il piccolo Marat is based on the life of Jean-Paul Marat, a French revolutionary who was assassinated in his bathtub by Charlotte Corday. The opera takes place in Marat's apartment in Paris, where he is visited by a young boy who is a fan of his revolutionary ideas. The boy, who is referred to as "Il Piccolo Marat" (The Little Marat), is eager to learn from Marat and become a revolutionary himself. Throughout the opera, Marat teaches the boy about the importance of the revolution and the need to overthrow the ruling class. He also tells the boy about his own struggles and the sacrifices he has made for the cause. As the opera progresses, Marat becomes increasingly agitated and paranoid, fearing that he will be assassinated like his friend and fellow revolutionary, Jean-Paul Marat. The music of Il piccolo Marat is characterized by its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. Mascagni's use of orchestration and vocal writing creates a sense of urgency and tension that reflects the revolutionary themes of the opera. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which builds on the previous one to create a powerful and emotionally charged finale. Il piccolo Marat is a relatively short opera, lasting only about 45 minutes. Despite its brevity, the opera is a powerful and moving work that explores the themes of revolution, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it remains a popular work in the repertoire of many opera companies today.

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