Franz Berwald
Estrella de Soria
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Composer:Franz BerwaldGenre:OperaStyle:OperaCompose Date:1841Average_duration:10:07Estrella de Soria is an opera composed by Franz Berwald, a Swedish composer, in 1862. The plot of the opera revolves around the love story of the King of Castile, Sancho, and the beautiful Estrella, who is the daughter of the Duke of Soria. The Duke of Soria is against the marriage of his daughter to the King, and he plots to overthrow the King and take over the throne himself. The opera is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is set in the palace of the King of Castile, where he is celebrating his victory over the Moors. The music in this movement is grand and majestic, with a lot of brass and percussion instruments. The second movement takes place in the castle of the Duke of Soria, where Estrella is being held captive. The music in this movement is more somber and melancholic, with a lot of strings and woodwind instruments. The third movement takes place in the battlefield, where the King and the Duke of Soria are fighting for the throne. The music in this movement is intense and dramatic, with a lot of fast-paced rhythms and loud percussion. The premiere of Estrella de Soria took place on February 17, 1862, at the Royal Opera in Stockholm, Sweden. The opera was not well-received by the audience and the critics, and it was only performed a few times before it was forgotten. However, in recent years, the opera has been rediscovered and has gained a new appreciation for its innovative use of orchestration and its unique blend of different musical styles. Overall, Estrella de Soria is a fascinating opera that combines elements of grand opera, romantic opera, and Spanish folk music. It is a testament to the creativity and originality of Franz Berwald, who was one of the most innovative composers of his time. Despite its initial lack of success, Estrella de Soria is now recognized as a masterpiece of Swedish opera and a significant contribution to the operatic repertoire.More....