Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

Apr 21, 1900 - Nov 27, 1900

Publication Date

:

1905

First Performance

:

Mar 31, 1901

Average_duration

:

143:52

Movement_count

:

30

Movement ....

'Rusalka' is an opera composed by Antonin Dvorák in 1900. The plot of the opera is based on the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen. The story revolves around a water nymph named Rusalka who falls in love with a human prince. She longs to become human so that she can be with him, and seeks the help of a witch to make her wish come true. The witch warns her that if she becomes human, she will lose her voice and her immortality. Rusalka agrees to the terms and becomes human, but the prince eventually falls in love with another woman, leaving Rusalka heartbroken. In the end, Rusalka returns to the water, where she is welcomed back by her fellow nymphs. The opera premiered on March 31, 1901, at the National Theatre in Prague. It was an immediate success and has since become one of the most popular Czech operas. The music of 'Rusalka' is characterized by its lush melodies and rich orchestration. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct musical style. The first act is set in the forest, and features music that is light and airy, with a sense of mystery and enchantment. The second act takes place in the prince's castle, and is more dramatic and intense, with powerful choruses and emotional arias. The third act returns to the forest, and is more introspective and melancholy, with haunting melodies and a sense of longing. One of the most famous pieces from 'Rusalka' is the aria "Song to the Moon," which is sung by Rusalka in the first act. The aria is known for its beautiful melody and its evocative lyrics, which express Rusalka's longing for the prince and her desire to become human. Another notable moment in the opera is the "Ballad of the Water Goblin," which is sung by the witch in the second act. The ballad is a dark and eerie piece, with a haunting melody and a sense of foreboding. Overall, 'Rusalka' is a powerful and emotional opera that explores themes of love, longing, and the struggle between the human and supernatural worlds. Its lush melodies and rich orchestration have made it a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire.

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