Composer

:

Alexander von Zemlinsky

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1915 - 1916

First Performance

:

Jan 30, 1917

Average_duration

:

55:09

Eine Florentinische Tragödie is an opera composed by Alexander von Zemlinsky in 1915. The libretto was written by Oscar Wilde, and the opera premiered in Stuttgart on October 30, 1917. The opera is in one act and has three main characters: Simone, Bianca, and Guido Bardi. The plot of the opera revolves around a love triangle between Simone, a wealthy merchant, his wife Bianca, and Guido Bardi, a prince. The opera takes place in Florence during the Renaissance, and the setting is a palace owned by Simone. The story begins with Simone returning home to find Bardi in his wife's bedroom. Simone challenges Bardi to a duel, but instead of fighting, they decide to play a game of dice. The winner will get Bianca. As the game progresses, tensions rise, and the characters reveal their true feelings. Simone is jealous of Bardi's wealth and power, while Bianca is torn between her love for Simone and her attraction to Bardi. In the end, Bardi wins the game, and Simone is forced to give up Bianca. However, Simone cannot accept his defeat and kills Bardi in a fit of rage. The music of Eine Florentinische Tragödie is characterized by its lush harmonies and intricate orchestration. Zemlinsky's use of leitmotifs and recurring themes helps to unify the opera and create a sense of continuity. The vocal writing is demanding, with each character having a distinct vocal style that reflects their personality. The premiere of Eine Florentinische Tragödie was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised the music and the performances, while others criticized the libretto for being too melodramatic. Despite the mixed reception, the opera has since become a staple of the modern repertoire and is considered one of Zemlinsky's most important works. In conclusion, Eine Florentinische Tragödie is a one-act opera composed by Alexander von Zemlinsky in 1915. The opera is based on a libretto by Oscar Wilde and tells the story of a love triangle between Simone, Bianca, and Guido Bardi. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and intricate orchestration, and the vocal writing is demanding. The opera premiered in Stuttgart in 1917 and has since become a staple of the modern repertoire.

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