Composer

:

Bedrich Smetana

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1877 - 1878

Publication Date

:

1892

First Performance

:

Sep 18, 1878

Average_duration

:

110:39

Movement_count

:

23

Movement ....

Tajemství (The Secret) is an opera composed by Bedrich Smetana, one of the most prominent Czech composers of the 19th century. The opera was composed between 1874 and 1878, and it premiered on February 18, 1884, at the National Theatre in Prague. The plot of Tajemství revolves around the character of Marenka, a young woman who is in love with Jenik, a poor but honest man. However, Marenka's father, Kecal, wants her to marry Vašek, a wealthy but foolish man. Kecal tells Marenka that Jenik is actually her half-brother, and therefore, she cannot marry him. Marenka is devastated by this news and agrees to marry Vašek. However, Jenik reveals to Marenka that Kecal's story is a lie, and he is not her half-brother. Jenik had kept this secret to himself because he wanted to test Marenka's love for him. Marenka is overjoyed to hear this news and decides to marry Jenik instead. The opera is divided into three movements. The first movement introduces the characters and sets up the conflict between Marenka's love for Jenik and her father's desire for her to marry Vašek. The second movement is the climax of the opera, where Kecal reveals the secret to Marenka, and she agrees to marry Vašek. The third movement resolves the conflict, with Jenik revealing the truth to Marenka and the two of them getting married. One of the characteristics of Tajemství is its use of folk music. Smetana was known for incorporating Czech folk music into his compositions, and Tajemství is no exception. The opera features several folk songs, including the famous "Polka" and "Furiant." Overall, Tajemství is a romantic and comedic opera that explores themes of love, family, and tradition. Its use of folk music and its portrayal of Czech culture make it a beloved work in the Czech opera repertoire.

More....