Composer

:

Juan Hidalgo

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

2:22

'¿Como ha de saber Belilla?' is a Spanish Baroque opera composed by Juan Hidalgo. The opera premiered in Madrid in 1660 and was one of the earliest operas to be composed in the Spanish language. The opera consists of three acts and is based on a libretto by Pedro Calderón de la Barca. The first act of the opera introduces the main characters and sets the scene for the story. The protagonist, Belilla, is a shepherd who is in love with a woman named Rosaura. However, Rosaura is in love with another man, Don Juan, who is a nobleman. Belilla is heartbroken and seeks the advice of a wise old man, who tells him that he must prove his love for Rosaura by performing a series of tasks. The second act of the opera sees Belilla attempting to complete the tasks set for him by the wise old man. These tasks include fighting a giant, rescuing a princess, and defeating a dragon. Belilla is successful in completing all of the tasks and returns to Rosaura, hoping that she will finally love him. The third act of the opera sees Belilla and Rosaura reunited, but their happiness is short-lived. Don Juan, who is jealous of Belilla's success, challenges him to a duel. Belilla is mortally wounded in the duel and dies in Rosaura's arms. '¿Como ha de saber Belilla?' is a prime example of Spanish Baroque opera. The music is characterized by its use of recitative, a style of singing that is closer to speech than to song. The opera also features arias, which are more melodic and expressive than the recitative sections. The music is accompanied by a small orchestra, which includes instruments such as the harpsichord, violins, and cellos. Overall, '¿Como ha de saber Belilla?' is a tragic love story that explores themes of love, jealousy, and sacrifice. The opera's music and libretto are both excellent examples of Spanish Baroque art and continue to be performed and studied to this day.

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