Composer

:

Charles Villiers Stanford

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1877

"The Veiled Prophet of Khorassan" is an opera composed by Charles Villiers Stanford, with a libretto by Henry Farnie. The opera was composed in 1880 and premiered on June 17, 1881, at the Royal English Opera House in London. The plot of the opera is set in Khorassan, a province in Persia, and revolves around the story of a mysterious prophet who wears a veil to conceal his identity. The prophet is revered by the people of Khorassan, who believe that he possesses supernatural powers. However, the prophet's true identity is unknown, and he is feared by the ruling class, who view him as a threat to their power. The opera opens with a scene in which the prophet appears before the people of Khorassan and performs a miracle, causing a fountain to flow with wine. The people are amazed by the prophet's power and begin to worship him. However, the ruling class, led by the governor of Khorassan, is suspicious of the prophet and seeks to uncover his true identity. As the opera progresses, the governor's daughter, Fatima, falls in love with the prophet, despite her father's objections. The governor, fearing for his daughter's safety, orders his soldiers to capture the prophet. In the final act of the opera, the prophet is revealed to be a prince who has been exiled from his kingdom. The prince and Fatima are reunited, and the people of Khorassan are freed from the tyranny of the governor. "The Veiled Prophet of Khorassan" is composed of four acts and features a variety of musical styles, including arias, duets, and choruses. The opera is notable for its use of exotic melodies and rhythms, which reflect the Persian setting of the story. The music is also characterized by its lush orchestration and dramatic intensity. Overall, "The Veiled Prophet of Khorassan" is a compelling opera that explores themes of power, love, and identity. Its premiere in 1881 was well-received, and the opera has since been performed in various productions around the world.

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