Composer

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Ferenc Erkel

Genre

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Opera

Style

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Opera

Bátori Mária is an opera composed by Ferenc Erkel, a Hungarian composer, pianist, and conductor. The opera was composed in 1840 and premiered on January 18, 1841, at the National Theatre in Pest, Hungary. The libretto was written by Béni Egressy, a Hungarian poet and playwright. The plot of Bátori Mária is set in the 16th century and revolves around the story of Mária, a young Hungarian noblewoman who falls in love with a Turkish prince, Ali. Mária's father, Miklós Bátori, is a fierce opponent of the Turks and forbids his daughter from seeing Ali. However, Mária and Ali continue to meet in secret and plan to elope. Meanwhile, Miklós Bátori is preparing for battle against the Turks. He is captured and taken prisoner by Ali's father, the Sultan. Mária, who is unaware of her father's capture, goes to meet Ali, but is captured by the Turks and taken to the Sultan's palace. There, she discovers that her father is a prisoner and is sentenced to death. Mária pleads with Ali to spare her father's life, but he refuses. In a dramatic finale, Mária sacrifices her own life to save her father's. The opera ends with Miklós Bátori mourning the loss of his daughter. Bátori Mária is composed of three acts and features a range of musical styles, including Hungarian folk music and Turkish-inspired melodies. The opera is known for its powerful choruses and dramatic arias, particularly Mária's aria in Act II, "Nem tudom, mi bajom van" ("I don't know what ails me"). The opera was a great success at its premiere and has since become a staple of the Hungarian opera repertoire. It is considered one of Erkel's most important works and is known for its patriotic themes and celebration of Hungarian culture.

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