Composer

:

Gaetano Donizetti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1840

Average_duration

:

138:18

Movement_count

:

32

Movement ....

La favorita is an opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti in 1840. The plot revolves around the love triangle between King Alfonso XI of Castile, his mistress Leonora, and the monk Fernand. The opera is set in the 14th century and takes place in the royal palace of Castile. The opera opens with the King's entrance into the palace, where he is greeted by his courtiers and Leonora, his mistress. Fernand, a young monk, also enters the palace and catches the eye of Leonora. She is immediately drawn to him and they begin a secret affair. However, when the King discovers their relationship, he banishes Fernand from the palace. Leonora is devastated by the loss of Fernand and begs the King to allow him to return. The King agrees, but only if Fernand agrees to join the army and fight in a war against the Moors. Fernand agrees and leaves for war, but not before Leonora promises to wait for him. While Fernand is away, the King becomes ill and Leonora is called to his bedside. She is torn between her love for Fernand and her duty to the King. In the end, she chooses to stay with the King and Fernand returns to find her married to the King. The final act of the opera sees Fernand confronting Leonora and the King. He reveals that he has become a successful general and has been offered the crown of Aragon. He offers to give up the crown and marry Leonora, but she chooses to stay with the King. Fernand is heartbroken and decides to return to the monastery. La favorita premiered on December 2, 1840, at the Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique in Paris. The opera was well-received and became one of Donizetti's most popular works. It is known for its beautiful melodies, dramatic plot, and complex characters. The opera is divided into four acts and features a number of memorable arias and duets. The music is characterized by Donizetti's signature bel canto style, which emphasizes beautiful singing and expressive phrasing. The opera also features a number of ensemble pieces, including a powerful trio in the final act. Overall, La favorita is a powerful and emotional opera that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. It remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire and is regularly performed around the world.

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