Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

1910

Average_duration

:

109:37

Don Quichotte is an opera composed by Jules Massenet, with a libretto by Henri Cain. The opera was first performed on February 19, 1910, at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo in Monaco. The plot is based on the famous novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. The opera is divided into five acts and follows the story of Don Quichotte, a delusional knight who sets out on a quest to revive chivalry and defend the honor of his lady love, Dulcinée. Along the way, he encounters a series of misadventures, including battles with windmills that he mistakes for giants, and a run-in with bandits who rob him of his armor and leave him stranded in the wilderness. Despite his many setbacks, Don Quichotte remains steadfast in his quest, and his unwavering devotion to Dulcinée ultimately wins her heart. However, as the opera draws to a close, Don Quichotte succumbs to his wounds and dies, leaving behind a legacy of chivalry and honor. The music of Don Quichotte is characterized by its lush orchestration and lyrical melodies. The opera features several memorable arias, including Don Quichotte's "Song of the Death of Don Quixote" and Dulcinée's "Chanson à boire." The score also includes several instrumental interludes, such as the famous "Dance of the Seven Veils." Don Quichotte was well-received upon its premiere, and it has since become one of Massenet's most popular works. The opera has been performed in opera houses around the world, and it has been recorded numerous times. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Cervantes' timeless tale of chivalry and romance.

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