Composer

:

Licinio Refice

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1934

'Cecilia' is an opera composed by Licinio Refice, an Italian composer, in 1934. The opera is based on the life of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. The plot revolves around the life of Cecilia, a young woman who is devoted to music and her faith. She is forced to marry a pagan nobleman, Valerian, but she refuses to renounce her faith and her love for music. The opera is divided into three acts. The first act introduces the characters and the setting. Cecilia is shown as a young woman who is passionate about music and her faith. She meets Valerian, a pagan nobleman, and they fall in love. However, Cecilia's father wants her to marry someone else, and she is forced to marry Valerian against her will. The second act shows the conflict between Cecilia's faith and her marriage. Valerian tries to convince Cecilia to renounce her faith, but she refuses. She continues to sing and play music, even in the face of persecution. Valerian becomes jealous of Cecilia's devotion to music and her faith, and he tries to destroy her instruments. The third act shows the resolution of the conflict. Cecilia is arrested and sentenced to death for her refusal to renounce her faith. Valerian is also arrested for his role in Cecilia's persecution. In prison, Cecilia continues to sing and play music, and her music touches the hearts of the other prisoners. Valerian is moved by Cecilia's music and her faith, and he converts to Christianity. Cecilia is martyred, but her music and her faith live on. The opera premiered on November 22, 1934, at the Teatro Lirico in Milan, Italy. The opera was well-received by the audience and the critics. The music of 'Cecilia' is characterized by its lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and dramatic intensity. The opera is also notable for its use of choral music, which adds to the emotional impact of the story. In conclusion, 'Cecilia' is a powerful opera that tells the story of a young woman's devotion to music and her faith. The opera is characterized by its lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and dramatic intensity. The opera premiered in 1934 and has since become a beloved work in the operatic repertoire.

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