Composer

:

Leos Janácek

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1892 - 1901

Publication Date

:

ca. 1892 - 1901

Average_duration

:

3:01

"Daleko provdaná" (Married to a Faraway Man) is a chamber opera composed by Leos Janácek in 1907. The opera premiered on November 1, 1916, in Brno, Czech Republic. The libretto was written by Janácek himself, based on a story by Gabriela Preissová. The opera consists of three movements and is scored for a small ensemble of nine instruments, including flute, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and piano. The first movement is a prelude, which sets the mood for the opera. The second movement is the main body of the opera, consisting of six scenes. The final movement is an epilogue, which brings the opera to a close. The story of "Daleko provdaná" revolves around a young woman named Zefka, who is married to a man who has gone to America to seek his fortune. Zefka is left behind in her small village, where she is courted by a local man named Laca. Despite her love for her husband, Zefka is tempted by Laca's advances and begins to have feelings for him. However, when her husband returns unexpectedly, Zefka realizes that she still loves him and decides to remain faithful to him. The music of "Daleko provdaná" is characterized by Janácek's use of folk melodies and rhythms, which he collected during his travels throughout Moravia and Slovakia. The music is also notable for its use of unconventional harmonies and dissonances, which reflect the emotional turmoil of the characters. The vocal lines are often fragmented and angular, reflecting the characters' inner conflicts. Overall, "Daleko provdaná" is a poignant and intimate work that explores the themes of love, fidelity, and temptation. It is a testament to Janácek's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience through music.

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