Composer

:

François-Adrien Boieldieu

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

60:49

"Le Calife de Bagdad" is an opera composed by François-Adrien Boieldieu, a French composer, in 1800. The opera premiered on September 28, 1800, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France. The plot of the opera revolves around the Caliph of Baghdad, Haroun, who is in love with the daughter of his Vizier, Zoraide. However, Zoraide is already engaged to the merchant, Nadir. The Caliph disguises himself as a merchant and enters the city to win Zoraide's heart. The first movement of the opera begins with a lively overture that sets the tone for the rest of the performance. The second movement introduces the characters and their relationships, including the Caliph's love for Zoraide and her engagement to Nadir. The third movement sees the Caliph disguising himself as a merchant and entering the city, where he meets Zoraide and begins to woo her. The fourth movement sees Nadir discovering the Caliph's true identity and challenging him to a duel. The fifth movement sees the Caliph and Nadir fighting, but ultimately reconciling and becoming friends. The sixth movement sees Zoraide torn between her love for the Caliph and her duty to marry Nadir. The seventh movement sees the Caliph revealing his true identity to Zoraide and asking for her hand in marriage. The final movement sees the happy couple being united, and the opera ends with a joyful chorus. "Le Calife de Bagdad" is known for its catchy melodies, lively rhythms, and colorful orchestration. Boieldieu's use of exotic Middle Eastern themes and instrumentation adds to the opera's charm and appeal. The opera was a great success when it premiered and has remained popular to this day. It is considered one of Boieldieu's most significant works and a masterpiece of French opera.

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