Composer

:

Ruperto Chapí

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Zarzuela

"El rey que rabió" is an opera composed by Ruperto Chapí, a Spanish composer, in 1891. The plot of the opera revolves around the fictional kingdom of Calicó, where the king, Carlos, is a lazy and incompetent ruler who spends his days sleeping and eating. His subjects are unhappy with his rule and decide to overthrow him. However, Carlos is saved by a group of fairies who transport him to a magical land where he learns the value of hard work and responsibility. The opera premiered on March 23, 1891, at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid, Spain. It was an instant success and became one of Chapí's most popular works. The opera is divided into three acts and features a variety of musical styles, including zarzuela, opera, and operetta. The first act introduces the lazy king and his unhappy subjects. The second act takes place in the magical land where Carlos learns the value of hard work and responsibility. The third act sees Carlos return to Calicó, where he uses his newfound skills to become a better ruler and win back the love of his people. One of the most notable characteristics of "El rey que rabió" is its use of humor and satire. The opera pokes fun at the lazy and incompetent ruler, as well as the corrupt officials who surround him. The fairies who transport Carlos to the magical land are also a source of humor, as they are portrayed as mischievous and playful. Another characteristic of the opera is its use of music to convey emotion and enhance the drama of the story. The music ranges from lively and upbeat to somber and reflective, depending on the mood of the scene. Overall, "El rey que rabió" is a lively and entertaining opera that combines humor, satire, and music to tell a story about the importance of hard work and responsibility. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved work of Spanish opera.

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