Composer

:

Luigi Cherubini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

ca. 1813

Average_duration

:

134:25

Les Abencérages ou L'étendard de Grenade is an opera in three acts composed by Luigi Cherubini. The opera was composed in 1813 and premiered on March 6, 1813, at the Théâtre de l'Opéra in Paris. The libretto was written by Étienne de Jouy and Hippolyte-Louis-Florent Bis. The plot of the opera is set in Granada, Spain, during the 15th century. The story revolves around the conflict between the Abencérages, a noble Muslim family, and the Christian conquerors of Granada. The Abencérages are accused of plotting against the Christian king, and their leader, Boabdil, is imprisoned and sentenced to death. However, the king's daughter, Zulma, falls in love with Boabdil and helps him escape. The two lovers are eventually caught and sentenced to death, but they are saved by the intervention of the Abencérages, who reveal the true conspirators and clear their name. The opera is characterized by its grandeur and dramatic intensity. Cherubini's music is highly expressive and emotional, with powerful choruses and arias that convey the passion and conflict of the story. The opera also features a number of dance movements, including a flamenco dance in the second act. Les Abencérages was well-received at its premiere and became one of Cherubini's most popular works. The opera was performed throughout Europe and was particularly popular in France and Italy. However, it fell out of favor in the 19th century and was rarely performed until the 20th century, when it was rediscovered and revived by modern opera companies. Overall, Les Abencérages is a powerful and emotionally charged opera that showcases Cherubini's skill as a composer. Its grandeur and intensity make it a classic of the operatic repertoire.

More....