Composer

:

Darius Milhaud

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1943

First Performance

:

May 12, 1950

Average_duration

:

02:11

Bolivar, Op. 236 is an opera composed by Darius Milhaud in 1950. The opera is based on the life of Simon Bolivar, a Venezuelan military and political leader who played a key role in the Latin American wars of independence from Spain. The libretto was written by Milhaud's wife, Madeleine, and is in French. The opera is divided into three acts and features a large cast of characters, including Bolivar, his wife, his mistress, his political allies and enemies, and various soldiers and civilians. The music is characterized by Milhaud's signature use of polytonality and rhythmic complexity, as well as his incorporation of Latin American folk music and dance rhythms. The first act of the opera takes place in 1813, during Bolivar's campaign to liberate Venezuela from Spanish rule. Bolivar is depicted as a charismatic and heroic figure, but also as a flawed and conflicted leader who struggles with his personal relationships and political ambitions. The act ends with Bolivar's victory at the Battle of Carabobo. The second act takes place in 1824, during Bolivar's campaign to liberate Peru from Spanish rule. Bolivar is now a more mature and experienced leader, but also more isolated and disillusioned. The act features a series of flashbacks and dream sequences in which Bolivar reflects on his past and his legacy. The third act takes place in 1830, after Bolivar has retired from politics and is living in exile in Colombia. Bolivar is now a sick and lonely old man, haunted by his past and uncertain about his future. The act features a series of encounters with various characters from Bolivar's life, including his wife, his mistress, and his former political allies and enemies. The opera ends with Bolivar's death and a final chorus in which his legacy is celebrated. Bolivar, Op. 236 premiered on June 25, 1950, at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics, and has since become one of Milhaud's most popular works. The opera is notable for its innovative use of Latin American themes and rhythms, as well as its complex and multi-layered portrayal of Bolivar as a historical and mythological figure.

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