Composer

:

José de Nebra

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1728

"Amor aumenta el valor" is a Spanish opera composed by José de Nebra in 1745. The plot revolves around the love story of two couples, Don Melchor and Doña Ana, and Don Luis and Doña Isabel. Don Melchor and Doña Ana are in love, but their families are against their union. Don Luis, who is in love with Doña Isabel, helps Don Melchor and Doña Ana to be together. However, their plan is discovered, and they are arrested. In the end, love triumphs, and the couples are reunited. The opera is divided into three acts and features arias, duets, and choruses. The music is characterized by its melodic richness, harmonic complexity, and expressive power. The arias are particularly notable for their virtuosity and emotional intensity. The duets are also remarkable for their intricate counterpoint and dramatic tension. "Amor aumenta el valor" premiered on January 31, 1745, at the Teatro de la Cruz in Madrid. It was a great success and was performed several times during the following years. The opera was part of the Spanish Baroque tradition, which was characterized by its fusion of Italian and Spanish musical styles. It was also influenced by the French and German operatic traditions. The first movement of the opera is a lively overture that sets the tone for the rest of the work. It features a fast-paced allegro section followed by a slower and more lyrical adagio. The second movement is a recitative that introduces the characters and the plot. The third movement is an aria sung by Doña Ana, in which she expresses her love for Don Melchor. The fourth movement is a duet between Don Melchor and Doña Ana, in which they express their desire to be together. The fifth movement is a chorus sung by the families of Don Melchor and Doña Ana, in which they express their opposition to their union. The sixth movement is an aria sung by Don Luis, in which he expresses his love for Doña Isabel. The seventh movement is a duet between Don Luis and Doña Isabel, in which they plan to help Don Melchor and Doña Ana. The eighth movement is a chorus sung by the guards who arrest Don Melchor and Doña Ana. The ninth movement is an aria sung by Doña Ana, in which she expresses her despair. The tenth movement is a duet between Don Melchor and Doña Ana, in which they express their hope for the future. The eleventh movement is a chorus sung by the families of Don Melchor and Doña Ana, in which they express their forgiveness. The twelfth movement is a final duet between the two couples, in which they express their happiness and love. Overall, "Amor aumenta el valor" is a beautiful and emotional opera that showcases the talent and creativity of José de Nebra. Its timeless themes of love, family, and forgiveness continue to resonate with audiences today.

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