Composer

:

Juan Hidalgo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:39

"Tonante dios!" is a baroque opera composed by Juan Hidalgo, a Spanish composer, and harpist. The opera premiered in Madrid in 1660, and it is considered to be the first Spanish opera. The opera consists of three acts, and it is based on the mythological story of Jupiter, the king of gods, and his love affair with Semele, a mortal woman. The first act of the opera begins with a prologue, where the god Apollo introduces the story of Jupiter and Semele. The second act portrays the love affair between Jupiter and Semele, and the third act depicts the tragic end of their relationship. The opera is characterized by its use of recitative, a style of singing that imitates the natural inflections of speech, and aria, a solo vocal piece with instrumental accompaniment. Hidalgo's music is known for its expressive melodies, intricate harmonies, and use of dissonance. The opera features a variety of musical styles, including dance music, pastoral music, and dramatic music. The use of dance music is particularly notable, as it reflects the influence of Spanish folk music on Hidalgo's compositions. The opera's libretto, written by poet Pedro Calderón de la Barca, is also noteworthy for its use of Spanish language and themes. The libretto features a mix of poetry and prose, and it includes references to Spanish culture and mythology. Overall, "Tonante dios!" is an important work in the history of Spanish opera. It reflects the growing interest in opera in Spain during the 17th century and showcases the unique musical and literary traditions of the country.

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