Composer

:

Gaetano Donizetti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1843

Average_duration

:

151:50

Gaetano Donizetti's opera 'Dom Sébastien' was composed in 1843 and premiered at the Paris Opéra on November 13th of the same year. The opera is set in Portugal during the 16th century and tells the story of King Dom Sébastien, who is believed to have died in battle. However, he returns to Portugal in disguise, hoping to reclaim his throne and win back his love, the princess Zayda. The opera is divided into four acts and features a number of memorable arias and duets. The first act introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the drama to come. We meet Dom Sébastien, who is disguised as a monk, and his loyal friend Camoëns, who is also in disguise. They are both in love with Zayda, who is engaged to the villainous Abayaldos. In the second act, Dom Sébastien reveals his true identity to Zayda and declares his love for her. She is torn between her love for him and her duty to marry Abayaldos. Meanwhile, the Portuguese people are beginning to suspect that Dom Sébastien is still alive and may return to claim his throne. The third act is the most dramatic, as Abayaldos discovers Dom Sébastien's true identity and plots to have him killed. Dom Sébastien is captured and sentenced to death, but Zayda pleads with Abayaldos to spare his life. In the end, Abayaldos agrees to release Dom Sébastien, but only if Zayda agrees to marry him. The final act sees Dom Sébastien and Abayaldos face off in a dramatic duel. Dom Sébastien emerges victorious and is crowned king once again. However, he realizes that he cannot be with Zayda, as she has already agreed to marry Abayaldos. The opera ends with Dom Sébastien accepting his fate and bidding farewell to his beloved Portugal. 'Dom Sébastien' is known for its beautiful melodies and lush orchestration. It is also notable for its portrayal of the Portuguese people and their struggle for independence. The opera was a critical and commercial success at its premiere and remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire.

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