Composer

:

Modest Mussorgsky

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1863 - 1866

Average_duration

:

85:37

Salammbô is an opera composed by Modest Mussorgsky between 1863 and 1866. The libretto was written by the composer himself, based on the novel of the same name by Gustave Flaubert. The opera tells the story of the Carthaginian priestess Salammbô, who falls in love with the mercenary leader Matho during the Mercenary War in ancient Carthage. The opera is divided into three acts and features a large cast of characters, including the Carthaginian general Hamilcar, the high priest of Tanit, and the Roman envoy Narr'Havas. The music is characterized by Mussorgsky's use of Russian folk melodies and his innovative approach to harmony and orchestration. Salammbô was not performed during Mussorgsky's lifetime, and the composer left the score unfinished at his death in 1881. The opera was later completed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and premiered in St. Petersburg in 1890. The premiere of Salammbô was not a success, and the opera was only performed a few times before falling into obscurity. However, in the 20th century, the opera was rediscovered and has since been performed in various productions around the world. The first movement of Salammbô features a lively overture that sets the tone for the rest of the opera. The second movement introduces the character of Salammbô and her love interest Matho, as well as the conflict between the Carthaginians and the mercenaries. The third movement features a dramatic confrontation between Salammbô and Narr'Havas, who is in love with her. The fourth movement features a grand procession of the Carthaginian army, while the fifth movement features a hauntingly beautiful aria sung by Salammbô. Overall, Salammbô is a complex and ambitious opera that showcases Mussorgsky's unique musical style and his ability to create vivid and compelling characters. Despite its initial lack of success, the opera has since become recognized as a masterpiece of Russian opera and a testament to Mussorgsky's genius.

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