Composer

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Reinhold Glière

Genre

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Opera

Style

:

Opera

Gyul'sara is an opera composed by Reinhold Glière, a Russian composer, in 1937. The opera is based on a libretto by Sergei Ostrovsky, which tells the story of a young woman named Gyul'sara, who is forced to marry a man she does not love. The opera is set in Azerbaijan, and the music is heavily influenced by Azerbaijani folk music. The score features a variety of instruments, including the tar, kamancha, and balaban, which are traditional Azerbaijani instruments. The opera is divided into three acts, and the plot revolves around Gyul'sara's struggle to find happiness in a society that values tradition over individual desires. In the first act, Gyul'sara is introduced as a young woman who is in love with a man named Ali. However, her father has arranged for her to marry a wealthy merchant named Gasim. Despite her protests, Gyul'sara is forced to marry Gasim. In the second act, Gyul'sara is unhappy in her marriage and longs to be with Ali. She meets with him secretly, but their plans are discovered by Gasim, who becomes enraged. In the final act, Gyul'sara is faced with a difficult decision: stay with Gasim and live a life of unhappiness, or run away with Ali and risk being shunned by society. The premiere of Gyul'sara took place on December 23, 1937, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it has since become one of Glière's most popular works. The music of Gyul'sara is characterized by its use of Azerbaijani folk melodies and rhythms. Glière was known for his ability to incorporate folk music into his compositions, and Gyul'sara is a prime example of this. The score features a variety of colorful orchestration, including percussion, brass, and woodwinds, which help to create a vivid musical landscape. Overall, Gyul'sara is a powerful opera that explores themes of love, tradition, and individuality. Its use of Azerbaijani folk music and its compelling storyline have made it a beloved work in the operatic repertoire.

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