Composer

:

Joseph Holbrooke

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

"Dylan" is an opera composed by Joseph Holbrooke, a British composer, in 1908. The opera is based on the Welsh legend of Dylan, the son of Arianrhod, who was born without a father and was cursed to never have a mortal wife. The plot revolves around the love story of Dylan and Morfydd, a mortal woman, and the conflict between the mortal and immortal worlds. The opera is divided into three acts and features a large orchestra, chorus, and soloists. The music is characterized by its use of folk melodies, lush harmonies, and dramatic orchestration. The vocal writing is demanding, with soaring melodies and intricate ensemble passages. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the conflict between the mortal and immortal worlds. Dylan, the son of Arianrhod, falls in love with Morfydd, a mortal woman. However, their love is forbidden by the gods, and Dylan is warned that he will be punished if he pursues Morfydd. The second act features the conflict between the mortal and immortal worlds. The gods are angry with Dylan for his love for Morfydd and decide to punish him. They send a storm to destroy the mortal world, and Dylan must choose between his love for Morfydd and his duty to his people. The third act resolves the conflict and features the tragic ending of the opera. Dylan chooses to save Morfydd and the mortal world, but in doing so, he sacrifices himself. The opera ends with a lament for Dylan and a final chorus mourning his loss. "Dylan" premiered in 1914 at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics, and it established Holbrooke as a leading composer of his time. The opera has since been performed sporadically, but it remains a significant work in the British operatic repertoire.

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