Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1878 - 1881

Publication Date

:

1881

First Performance

:

Apr 1, 1881

"Le tribut de Zamora" is an opera in four acts composed by Charles Gounod. The libretto was written by Adolphe d'Ennery, Philippe Gille, and Jules Barbier. The opera was composed in 1881 and premiered on April 1, 1881, at the Opéra de Paris. The plot of "Le tribut de Zamora" is set in the 10th century in Spain. The opera tells the story of the conflict between the Moors and the Christians. The Moors demand a tribute from the Christians, which they are unable to pay. The Moors then threaten to attack the city of Zamora if the tribute is not paid. The Christians are torn between paying the tribute and risking their honor or refusing to pay and risking the lives of their people. The first act of the opera introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the conflict. The second act focuses on the love story between the Christian princess, Florinda, and the Moorish prince, Aben-Humeya. The third act is the climax of the opera, where the Christians decide to fight the Moors instead of paying the tribute. The final act is the resolution of the conflict, where the Christians emerge victorious. "Le tribut de Zamora" is characterized by its grandeur and spectacle. The opera features large choruses, elaborate sets, and costumes. The music is also grand and dramatic, with sweeping melodies and powerful orchestration. The opera is also notable for its use of Spanish and Moorish musical themes, which add to the exotic atmosphere of the opera. The movements of "Le tribut de Zamora" are divided into four acts. The first act features a prologue and three scenes. The second act has two scenes, while the third act has three scenes. The final act has two scenes. The opera lasts for approximately three hours. In conclusion, "Le tribut de Zamora" is a grand opera that tells the story of the conflict between the Moors and the Christians in 10th century Spain. The opera is characterized by its grandeur, spectacle, and dramatic music. It premiered in 1881 at the Opéra de Paris and remains a popular opera to this day.

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