Composer

:

Carl Maria von Weber

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1810 - 1811

Publication Date

:

1821

First Performance

:

Jun 4, 1811

Average_duration

:

47:56

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Abu Hassan is a comic opera in one act composed by Carl Maria von Weber. The opera was composed in 1810 and premiered on May 4, 1811, at the Residenztheater in Munich, Germany. The libretto was written by Franz Carl Hiemer, based on a story from the Arabian Nights. The plot of Abu Hassan revolves around the titular character, a poor but clever man who lives in Baghdad with his wife, Fatima. Abu Hassan is in debt to the local moneylender, Omar, and is desperate for a way to pay him back. He comes up with a plan to convince Omar that the Caliph, Harun al-Rashid, is coming to visit him and that he will need to borrow a large sum of money to prepare for the visit. Omar agrees to lend Abu Hassan the money, but only on the condition that he can meet the Caliph himself. Abu Hassan and his wife then set about creating an elaborate ruse to convince Omar that he has met the Caliph. They dress up a friend, Ali, as the Caliph and stage a meeting between him and Omar. The plan works, and Omar is so impressed that he forgives Abu Hassan's debt and even gives him a large sum of money as a gift. However, the real Caliph soon arrives in Baghdad and is outraged to hear that someone has been impersonating him. He orders Abu Hassan and his wife to be brought before him and threatens to have them executed. In the end, Abu Hassan is able to convince the Caliph that he was only trying to pay back his debt and that he meant no harm. The Caliph forgives him and even gives him a position in his court. The music of Abu Hassan is characterized by its lightness and humor. The opera features several lively and catchy melodies, including Abu Hassan's opening aria, "Was gleicht wohl auf Erden dem Jägervergnügen," and the duet between Abu Hassan and Fatima, "Gia nella notte densa." The opera also includes several ensemble numbers, including the quartet "Schweigt doch eure Qualen" and the finale, "Heil dem König, Heil dem Volke." Overall, Abu Hassan is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Weber's skill as a composer of comic opera. Its catchy melodies and humorous plot have made it a popular work in the operatic repertoire.

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