Composer

:

Bedrich Smetana

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1879 - 1882

Publication Date

:

1903

First Performance

:

Oct 29, 1882

Average_duration

:

136:21

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

"Certova stena" (The Devil's Wall) is an opera composed by Bedrich Smetana, a Czech composer, in 1882. The opera is based on a Czech legend about a wall that the devil built to separate two lovers. The plot revolves around the love story of a young couple, Jiri and Rychtarka, who are separated by the Devil's Wall. Jiri is a shepherd who falls in love with Rychtarka, the daughter of a wealthy farmer. However, her father disapproves of their relationship and arranges for her to marry a wealthy landowner. Jiri is heartbroken and decides to climb the Devil's Wall to be with Rychtarka. However, the devil appears and tells him that he will only allow him to pass if he sacrifices his soul. Jiri agrees and climbs the wall, but the devil tricks him and he falls to his death. Rychtarka is devastated by Jiri's death and decides to join him by climbing the wall. However, the devil appears again and tells her that he will only allow her to pass if she sacrifices her soul. Rychtarka agrees and climbs the wall, but the devil tricks her as well and she falls to her death. The opera premiered on May 10, 1882, at the National Theatre in Prague. It consists of three acts and is written in the Czech language. The music is characterized by Smetana's use of folk melodies and rhythms, which are woven into the score to create a distinctly Czech sound. The opera also features a large chorus and orchestra, which are used to create dramatic and powerful musical moments. The first movement of the opera introduces the main characters and sets up the love story between Jiri and Rychtarka. The second movement focuses on Jiri's attempt to climb the Devil's Wall and his subsequent death. The third movement centers on Rychtarka's attempt to climb the wall and her eventual death. The opera ends with a chorus lamenting the tragic fate of the young lovers. Overall, "Certova stena" is a powerful and emotional opera that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural. Smetana's use of folk melodies and rhythms gives the opera a distinctly Czech flavor, while the dramatic story and powerful music make it a memorable and moving work.

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