Composer

:

Giacomo Puccini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

ca. 1916 - 1918

Average_duration

:

58:36

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

"Il tabarro" is an opera in one act composed by Giacomo Puccini. The libretto was written by Giuseppe Adami and is based on a play by Didier Gold called "La Houppelande." The opera was composed in 1916 and premiered on December 14, 1918, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The plot of "Il tabarro" takes place on a barge on the Seine River in Paris. The barge is owned by Michele, a stevedore, and his wife Giorgetta. Michele suspects that Giorgetta is having an affair with one of his workers, Luigi. When Michele confronts Luigi, a fight ensues, and Luigi kills Michele. Giorgetta discovers the body and is devastated. The music of "Il tabarro" is characterized by Puccini's use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. The opening of the opera features a haunting melody played by the strings, which represents the Seine River. The leitmotif for Giorgetta is a lyrical melody that is first heard in her aria "Folle di gelosia" (Mad with jealousy). Luigi's leitmotif is a passionate melody that is first heard in his aria "Hai ben ragione" (You are right). "Il tabarro" is part of Puccini's "Il trittico," a collection of three one-act operas that also includes "Suor Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi." The three operas are connected thematically by the themes of love, death, and redemption. The premiere of "Il tabarro" was a success, and the opera has since become a staple of the operatic repertoire. The opera is known for its dramatic intensity and its portrayal of the darker side of human nature. Puccini's use of leitmotifs and his skillful orchestration create a powerful emotional impact that has made "Il tabarro" a favorite of audiences and critics alike.

More....