Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

Apr 1871 - Dec 20, 1871

Publication Date

:

1915

First Performance

:

Nov 24, 1874

Average_duration

:

91:43

"King and Charcoal Burner" is an opera composed by Antonin Dvorák in 1891. The plot revolves around a king who disguises himself as a charcoal burner to learn about the lives of his subjects. He meets a young woman named Barunka, who is in love with a man named Jenik. However, Jenik is in love with the king's daughter, Princess Amalie. The king, in his disguise, helps Barunka and Jenik get together, but also learns about the struggles of the common people and the corruption of his own court. The opera premiered on March 4, 1894, at the National Theatre in Prague. It consists of three acts and is written in a traditional Czech style, with folk melodies and dance rhythms. The music is characterized by its use of colorful orchestration and lyrical melodies. The first movement of the opera introduces the main characters and sets up the plot. The second movement focuses on the love triangle between Barunka, Jenik, and Princess Amalie, as well as the king's discovery of the corruption in his court. The final movement resolves the conflicts and ends with a celebration of the common people. Overall, "King and Charcoal Burner" is a charming and lighthearted opera that showcases Dvorák's skill in incorporating folk music into classical compositions. Its themes of love, class struggle, and political corruption are still relevant today, making it a timeless piece of music.

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