Composer

:

Saverio Mercadante

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1839

Average_duration

:

156:48

Il Bravo is an opera in three acts composed by Saverio Mercadante. The opera was first performed on December 9, 1839, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. The libretto was written by Gaetano Rossi, based on the play Le Bourreau by Adolphe d'Ennery and Eugène Cormon. The plot of Il Bravo revolves around the character of Ildebrando, a professional assassin who is hired by the Venetian government to eliminate political enemies. Ildebrando is torn between his loyalty to the state and his love for his daughter, who is in love with one of his targets. The opera explores themes of loyalty, love, and betrayal. The first movement of the opera opens with a chorus of Venetian citizens celebrating the arrival of the Doge. The second movement introduces the character of Ildebrando, who is approached by the Doge's advisor and offered a job as an assassin. The third movement introduces the character of Elena, Ildebrando's daughter, who is in love with the target of Ildebrando's first assignment. The second act of the opera features a duet between Elena and her lover, as well as a confrontation between Ildebrando and his target. The third act features a dramatic finale, in which Ildebrando is forced to choose between his loyalty to the state and his love for his daughter. Il Bravo is known for its complex and challenging vocal writing, as well as its dramatic and emotional storyline. The opera was well-received at its premiere and has since been performed in opera houses around the world.

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