Composer

:

Gaetano Donizetti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1826

First Performance

:

Jan 7, 1826

Average_duration

:

152:17

"Alahor in Granata" is an opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti in 1826. The plot revolves around the story of Alahor, the last king of Granada, who is in love with Zoraide, the wife of his enemy, Abenamet. The opera is set in Granada, Spain, during the 15th century. The opera premiered on January 7, 1826, at the Teatro Carolino in Palermo, Italy. It was well-received by the audience and critics alike, and it marked a turning point in Donizetti's career. The opera was later revised and performed in Naples in 1828, and it was also performed in Paris in 1830. The opera is divided into two acts, and it features a total of 14 musical numbers. The first act opens with a chorus of Moors, who are celebrating the wedding of Abenamet and Zoraide. Alahor arrives at the wedding disguised as a pilgrim, and he declares his love for Zoraide. She is initially hesitant, but she eventually falls in love with him. The second act opens with a duet between Alahor and Zoraide, in which they express their love for each other. Abenamet discovers their affair and orders Alahor to be executed. However, Alahor manages to escape and returns to Granada, where he leads a rebellion against Abenamet. The opera ends with a triumphant chorus, in which Alahor is hailed as the new king of Granada. The music of "Alahor in Granata" is characterized by its exoticism and its use of Spanish and Moorish melodies. Donizetti also employs a variety of musical forms, including arias, duets, and choruses. The opera is notable for its dramatic intensity and its vivid portrayal of the characters and the setting. Overall, "Alahor in Granata" is a significant work in Donizetti's oeuvre, and it remains a popular opera today. Its themes of love, betrayal, and political intrigue continue to resonate with audiences, and its music continues to captivate listeners with its beauty and its emotional power.

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