Composer

:

Niels Gade

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1841 - 1842

Napoli is a ballet composed by Niels Gade in 1842. The ballet tells the story of a young fisherman named Gennaro who falls in love with a beautiful girl named Teresina. The ballet is set in Naples, Italy, and features a variety of colorful characters, including street vendors, sailors, and fishermen. The ballet is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct movements. The first act takes place in the bustling streets of Naples, where Gennaro and Teresina first meet. The second act takes place on a ship, where Gennaro and Teresina are kidnapped by a group of pirates. The third act takes place in a magical underwater kingdom, where Gennaro and Teresina are reunited and live happily ever after. One of the most notable characteristics of Napoli is its use of traditional Italian folk music. Gade incorporated a variety of popular Neapolitan songs into the score, including "Funiculì, Funiculà" and "Santa Lucia." The ballet also features a number of lively dance sequences, including a tarantella and a saltarello. Napoli premiered on August 22, 1842, at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. The ballet was an immediate success and has since become a beloved classic of the ballet repertoire. Over the years, Napoli has been performed by ballet companies around the world, and it remains a popular choice for both professional and amateur productions. Overall, Napoli is a charming and lively ballet that captures the spirit of Naples and the beauty of Italian folk music and dance. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring power of dance to tell stories and capture the imagination.

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