Composer

:

André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1771

Average_duration

:

115:48

'Zémire et Azor' is an opera composed by André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry in 1771. The plot is based on the fairy tale 'Beauty and the Beast'. The story revolves around a wealthy merchant who loses his fortune and is forced to live in a small cottage with his three daughters. The youngest daughter, Zémire, is kind and gentle, while her sisters are selfish and vain. One day, the merchant stumbles upon a magical garden and picks a rose for Zémire. The owner of the garden, a beast, demands that the merchant send one of his daughters to live with him in exchange for his life. Zémire volunteers to go, and she discovers that the beast is actually a prince under a spell. The two fall in love, and the spell is broken, allowing the prince to return to his human form. The opera premiered on December 9, 1771, at the Comédie-Italienne in Paris. It was an immediate success and became one of Grétry's most popular works. The opera is composed of three acts and features arias, duets, and ensemble pieces. The music is characterized by its lightness and charm, with a focus on melody and vocal virtuosity. The opera also includes elements of French and Italian opera, with arias in both languages. The first movement of the opera introduces the characters and sets the scene. The second movement focuses on Zémire's journey to the beast's castle and her initial fear and reluctance to stay. The third movement sees Zémire and the beast falling in love and the eventual breaking of the spell. The final movement features a joyful celebration of the couple's union. Overall, 'Zémire et Azor' is a charming and romantic opera that showcases Grétry's talent for melody and vocal writing. Its popularity has endured over the centuries, with numerous productions and recordings still being made today.

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