Composer

:

Dmitry Kabalevsky

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1936 - 1938

First Performance

:

Feb 22, 1938

Average_duration

:

117:37

"Colas Breugnon" is an opera in three acts composed by Dmitry Kabalevsky. The libretto was written by Yevgeny Petrov and based on the novel of the same name by Romain Rolland. The opera was composed in 1936-1938 and premiered on November 25, 1938, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The plot of "Colas Breugnon" is set in the 16th century in the French town of Clamecy. The main character, Colas Breugnon, is a jovial and free-spirited sculptor who loves life and enjoys making fun of the town's authorities. He is in love with a beautiful young woman named Isabelle, but her father, the town's governor, disapproves of their relationship. Colas is also involved in a rebellion against the oppressive Duke of Burgundy, who is planning to invade Clamecy. The first act of the opera introduces the characters and sets the scene for the conflict between Colas and the governor. The second act focuses on the rebellion and the preparations for the Duke's invasion. Colas plays a key role in the rebellion, using his wit and charm to rally the townspeople to the cause. The third act sees the resolution of the conflict between Colas and the governor, as well as the defeat of the Duke's army. "Colas Breugnon" is characterized by its lively and colorful music, which reflects the joie de vivre of the main character. The opera features a variety of musical styles, including folk songs, dances, and marches. The score also includes several memorable arias, such as Colas' "Song of the Volga Boatmen" and Isabelle's "Song of the Lark." The premiere of "Colas Breugnon" was a great success, and the opera quickly became one of Kabalevsky's most popular works. It has since been performed all over the world and remains a beloved part of the operatic repertoire.

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