Composer

:

Leos Janácek

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1892 - 1901

Publication Date

:

ca. 1892 - 1901

Average_duration

:

2:58

"Milenec vrah" (The Fiddler's Child) is a chamber opera composed by Leos Janácek in 1913. The opera premiered on November 21, 1922, in Brno, Czechoslovakia. The libretto was written by Janácek himself, based on a Moravian folk tale. The opera consists of two movements, with a total running time of approximately 40 minutes. The first movement is titled "The Fiddler's Child," and the second movement is titled "The Foundling's Tale." The opera tells the story of a fiddler who has a child with a woman who dies shortly after giving birth. The fiddler leaves the child with a group of shepherds, but the child is eventually taken in by a wealthy family. The child grows up to be a talented musician, but he is haunted by the memory of his father, whom he believes to be a murderer. The second movement of the opera reveals the truth about the fiddler's past and the circumstances surrounding the death of the child's mother. Janácek's music for "Milenec vrah" is characterized by its use of folk melodies and rhythms, as well as its expressive use of harmony and orchestration. The opera features a small ensemble of instruments, including violin, cello, clarinet, bassoon, and piano. The vocal writing is also notable for its use of speech-like rhythms and inflections, which reflect the naturalistic style of the libretto. Overall, "Milenec vrah" is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Janácek's unique musical voice and his deep connection to the folk traditions of his native Moravia.

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