Composer

:

Alfredo Catalani

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1892

Publication Date

:

1892

First Performance

:

Jan 20, 1892

Average_duration

:

123:43

'La Wally' is an opera composed by Alfredo Catalani, with a libretto by Luigi Illica. The opera was composed in 1891 and premiered on January 20, 1892, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. The opera is set in the Austrian Tyrol in the 19th century and tells the story of Wally, a young woman who defies her father's wishes and falls in love with Hagenbach, a hunter from a rival family. The opera is divided into four acts and features a number of memorable arias and duets. The first act introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the drama to come. Wally is introduced as a strong-willed young woman who is determined to live life on her own terms. Hagenbach is portrayed as a charming and confident hunter who is initially drawn to Wally's beauty and spirit. The second act sees Wally and Hagenbach confess their love for each other, despite the objections of their families. Wally's father, Stromminger, is furious when he learns of their relationship and forbids Wally from seeing Hagenbach again. Wally is torn between her love for Hagenbach and her loyalty to her father. In the third act, Wally decides to leave her home and follow Hagenbach to the mountains. She is determined to prove her love for him and to show her father that she is capable of making her own decisions. However, tragedy strikes when Hagenbach is caught in an avalanche and Wally is unable to save him. The final act sees Wally return to her village, heartbroken and alone. She is greeted with scorn and ridicule by the villagers, who blame her for Hagenbach's death. Wally is consumed by grief and decides to take her own life by jumping from a nearby mountain. The opera ends with Wally's tragic death and the realization that her love for Hagenbach was ultimately doomed. 'La Wally' is known for its lush and romantic score, which features soaring melodies and dramatic orchestration. The opera is also notable for its strong female protagonist, who defies convention and stands up for her own desires. The opera has been performed regularly since its premiere and remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire.

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