Composer

:

Friedrich von Flotow

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1847

Average_duration

:

87:59

Martha is an opera composed by Friedrich von Flotow in 1847. The plot revolves around Lady Harriet Durham, who is bored with her aristocratic life and decides to disguise herself as a maid named Martha and work for a farmer named Plunkett. She falls in love with Plunkett's nephew, Lionel, who is also in love with her. However, when Lady Harriet's identity is revealed, Lionel feels betrayed and leaves her. Lady Harriet then decides to leave her aristocratic life behind and marry Lionel as Martha. The opera premiered on September 25, 1847, at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna, Austria. It was an immediate success and quickly became one of the most popular operas of the 19th century. The opera was also performed in other countries, including Germany, France, and England. Martha is composed of four acts and features a variety of musical styles, including arias, duets, and choruses. The music is light and melodic, with a focus on vocal beauty and expressiveness. The opera also features several dance sequences, including a famous ballet in the third act. One of the characteristics of Martha is its use of comic elements. The opera features several comedic characters, including Plunkett and his friends, who provide comic relief throughout the opera. The opera also features a number of romantic and sentimental moments, particularly in the duets between Lady Harriet and Lionel. Overall, Martha is a charming and entertaining opera that has remained popular to this day. Its light and melodic music, combined with its romantic and comedic elements, make it a favorite among audiences and performers alike.

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