Composer

:

Daniel-François-Esprit Auber

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1830

Average_duration

:

106:36

Fra Diavolo is an opera composed by Daniel-François-Esprit Auber, with a libretto by Eugène Scribe. The opera premiered on January 28, 1830, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France. The plot of the opera is based on the story of the Italian bandit Fra Diavolo, who was known for his daring robberies and escapes from the law. The opera is set in Italy, in the early 18th century. The story revolves around the bandit Fra Diavolo, who is on the run from the law. He takes refuge in the inn of the wealthy Lord and Lady Rocburg, where he meets the beautiful Zerline, who is engaged to the bumbling Captain Lorenzo. Fra Diavolo falls in love with Zerline and decides to use her to gain access to the Rocburg's wealth. Fra Diavolo's plan is complicated by the arrival of the police, who are hot on his trail. He manages to escape, but not before stealing the Rocburg's jewels. The police continue to pursue him, and he is eventually captured and sentenced to death. However, he manages to escape once again, with the help of Zerline, who has fallen in love with him. The music of Fra Diavolo is characterized by its lively and energetic melodies, which reflect the opera's comic and adventurous plot. The opera is composed of three acts, each with its own set of arias, duets, and ensembles. The most famous aria from the opera is "Ah! Mes amis, quel jour de fête!", which is sung by the character of Lorenzo in the second act. Fra Diavolo was a popular opera in its time and has remained a staple of the operatic repertoire. Its success can be attributed to its catchy melodies, engaging plot, and colorful characters. The opera has been performed in numerous productions around the world, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.

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