Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

Jun 3, 1922

Average_duration

:

24:13

Movement_count

:

14

Movement ....

"Mavra" is an opera composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1921. The plot of the opera revolves around a young girl named Parasha, who disguises herself as a male servant named Mavra in order to be closer to her lover, Vassili. The opera is set in Russia in the early 19th century. The opera premiered on June 3, 1922, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The premiere was not well-received, with many critics finding the opera too short and lacking in substance. However, the opera has since gained a reputation as a masterpiece of neoclassical music. The opera is composed of three movements, with a total running time of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic "Overture," which sets the tone for the rest of the opera. The second movement is a short and humorous "Serenade," in which Parasha/Mavra sings a love song to Vassili. The final movement is a fast-paced and energetic "Dance," which features a lively folk dance. One of the characteristics of "Mavra" is its use of Russian folk music. Stravinsky incorporates traditional Russian melodies and rhythms into the opera, giving it a distinctly Russian flavor. Another characteristic of the opera is its neoclassical style, which emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and balance. The opera is also notable for its use of unconventional instrumentation, including a balalaika (a traditional Russian stringed instrument) and a percussion instrument called a "tambourine de Basque." Overall, "Mavra" is a short but powerful opera that showcases Stravinsky's unique style and his love of Russian folk music. Despite its initial reception, the opera has become a beloved classic of the neoclassical repertoire.

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