Composer

:

Luigi Cherubini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

ca. 1833

Average_duration

:

140:50

Ali-Baba is an opera in four acts composed by Luigi Cherubini. The opera was composed in 1833 and premiered on July 22, 1833, at the Paris Opera. The libretto was written by Eugène Scribe and Anne-Honoré-Joseph Duveyrier. The plot of Ali-Baba revolves around the story of Ali-Baba, a poor woodcutter who discovers the secret of the forty thieves. The opera begins with Ali-Baba and his family struggling to make ends meet. One day, while cutting wood in the forest, Ali-Baba overhears the password to the thieves' den. He uses this information to steal some of their treasure, but is caught by the thieves. However, he is saved by the cleverness of his slave girl, Morgiana, who outwits the thieves and saves Ali-Baba's life. The first act of the opera sets the scene and introduces the characters. The second act focuses on Ali-Baba's discovery of the thieves' den and his subsequent theft of their treasure. The third act is the climax of the opera, where Ali-Baba is caught by the thieves and Morgiana saves him. The final act is the resolution, where Ali-Baba is rewarded for his bravery and Morgiana is freed from slavery. The music of Ali-Baba is characterized by Cherubini's use of dramatic and expressive melodies. The opera features a large orchestra, with prominent use of percussion and brass. The vocal writing is also notable, with Cherubini using a variety of vocal techniques to convey the emotions of the characters. Ali-Baba was well-received at its premiere, with critics praising Cherubini's music and Scribe and Duveyrier's libretto. The opera was performed regularly throughout the 19th century, but fell out of favor in the 20th century. However, it has seen a resurgence in recent years, with several productions being staged in Europe and North America. Overall, Ali-Baba is a lively and entertaining opera that showcases Cherubini's skill as a composer. Its memorable melodies and engaging plot make it a worthwhile addition to the operatic repertoire.

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