Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1768

Average_duration

:

43:17

Movement_count

:

17

Movement ....

Bastien und Bastienne is an opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1768 when he was just 12 years old. The opera is a one-act Singspiel, which is a type of German-language opera that includes spoken dialogue. The libretto was written by Friedrich Wilhelm Weiskern and is based on a story from a popular French novel, Les Amours de Bastien et Bastienne. The plot of the opera revolves around the love story of two young shepherds, Bastien and Bastienne. Bastienne is upset because Bastien has been ignoring her, and she seeks the advice of a wise old woman, Colas. Colas suggests that Bastienne should play hard to get, and Bastien will come running back to her. However, Bastien has been tricked by a wealthy woman, who has promised him riches if he marries her. Bastienne and Colas come up with a plan to trick Bastien into realizing his true feelings for Bastienne, and the opera ends with the two young lovers reunited. Bastien und Bastienne premiered on October 2, 1768, at the home of Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer, a physician and friend of Mozart's family. The opera was a great success and was performed several times in Vienna in the following years. However, it fell out of favor in the 19th century and was not performed again until the 20th century. The opera is composed of several musical movements, including arias, duets, and ensembles. The music is simple and charming, with catchy melodies and playful rhythms. The opera also includes spoken dialogue, which adds to the lighthearted and comedic tone of the piece. One of the characteristics of Bastien und Bastienne is its use of pastoral themes and imagery. The opera takes place in a rural setting, and the music reflects this with its use of folk-like melodies and rustic rhythms. Another characteristic of the opera is its use of humor and satire. The characters are exaggerated and caricatured, and the plot is full of comedic twists and turns. Overall, Bastien und Bastienne is a charming and lighthearted opera that showcases Mozart's early talent and his ability to create memorable melodies and engaging characters. Despite its simple plot and music, the opera remains a beloved work in the Mozartian canon.

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