Composer

:

Daniel Catán

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

3:28

"Comprendo" is a contemporary opera composed by Mexican composer Daniel Catán. The opera premiered on May 7, 1998, at the Houston Grand Opera in Houston, Texas. The libretto was written by the composer himself, and the opera is sung in Spanish. The opera is divided into two acts, with a total of 14 scenes. The first act has six scenes, while the second act has eight scenes. The opera tells the story of a young Mexican-American woman named Ana Maria, who is struggling to find her identity in a world that is torn between two cultures. Ana Maria is torn between her Mexican heritage and her American upbringing, and she feels like she doesn't belong in either world. The first act of the opera introduces us to Ana Maria and her family. We see her struggling to fit in with her Mexican relatives, who speak only Spanish and are deeply rooted in their culture. We also see her struggling to fit in with her American friends, who don't understand her Mexican heritage. The first act ends with Ana Maria feeling lost and alone, unsure of where she belongs. The second act of the opera takes us on a journey with Ana Maria as she tries to find her place in the world. She travels to Mexico to reconnect with her roots, but she finds that she doesn't fit in there either. She then returns to the United States, where she finally finds acceptance and a sense of belonging. The music of "Comprendo" is characterized by its use of traditional Mexican folk music, as well as contemporary classical music. The opera features a variety of musical styles, including mariachi, bolero, and salsa. The music is often used to reflect the emotions of the characters, with the music becoming more intense and dramatic during moments of conflict and tension. Overall, "Comprendo" is a powerful opera that explores the complex issues of identity and belonging faced by many Mexican-Americans. The opera's use of traditional Mexican music and contemporary classical music creates a unique and compelling sound that perfectly captures the emotions of the characters.

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