Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1694

Average_duration

:

14:44

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

The Married Beau, or, the Curious Impertinent, Z. 603 is a semi-opera composed by Henry Purcell in 1694. It premiered at the Theatre Royal in London on November 14, 1694. The libretto was written by Thomas d'Urfey and is based on a story from Cervantes' Don Quixote. The semi-opera is divided into five acts and features a prologue and epilogue. The story revolves around the character of Leander, a married man who becomes infatuated with a woman named Jacintha. Leander's wife, Isabella, becomes suspicious of her husband's behavior and sets out to uncover the truth. The music of The Married Beau is characterized by Purcell's signature blend of English and French styles. The score features arias, duets, and ensemble pieces, as well as instrumental interludes. The music is notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which add to the dramatic tension of the story. The prologue of the semi-opera features a chorus of singers who introduce the themes of love and marriage. The first act opens with a lively dance, followed by a duet between Leander and Jacintha. The second act features a masque, a popular form of entertainment in Restoration England that combined music, dance, and elaborate costumes. The masque in The Married Beau features characters from classical mythology, including Cupid and Venus. The third act is the most dramatic, as Isabella confronts Leander about his infidelity. The scene is set to a tense and dissonant aria, which underscores the emotional turmoil of the characters. The fourth act features a comic subplot involving a group of country bumpkins who are tricked into believing they have won a lottery. The final act resolves the various plotlines and ends with a celebratory chorus. Overall, The Married Beau is a prime example of Purcell's skill as a composer of semi-operas. The music is both elegant and emotionally charged, and the story is a compelling mix of drama and comedy. The semi-opera was well-received at its premiere and remains a popular work in the Baroque repertoire.

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