Composer

:

Jacques Offenbach

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

First Performance

:

1878

Maître Péronilla is an opera composed by Jacques Offenbach, with a libretto by Eugène Mestépès and Albert Vanloo. The opera was composed in 1878 and premiered on December 12, 1878, at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens in Paris. The plot of Maître Péronilla revolves around the character of Don Péronilla, a wealthy Spanish nobleman who is obsessed with his family's honor. He has two daughters, Inès and Laura, who are both in love with the same man, Don Belflor. Don Péronilla is determined to marry his daughters off to men of high social standing, but Inès and Laura are determined to marry for love. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of movements. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the conflict between Don Péronilla and his daughters. The second act sees Don Péronilla attempting to force his daughters to marry men of his choosing, while Inès and Laura continue to resist. The third act sees the resolution of the conflict, with Don Péronilla finally realizing the importance of love over social status. One of the characteristics of Maître Péronilla is its use of Spanish themes and motifs. Offenbach was known for incorporating elements of different cultures into his operas, and Maître Péronilla is no exception. The opera features Spanish dances, such as the fandango and the bolero, as well as Spanish-style music. Another characteristic of Maître Péronilla is its use of humor. Offenbach was known for his comedic operas, and Maître Péronilla is no exception. The opera features a number of comedic moments, particularly in the interactions between Don Péronilla and his daughters. Overall, Maître Péronilla is a lighthearted and entertaining opera that showcases Offenbach's skill as a composer and his ability to incorporate different cultural elements into his work. Its premiere in 1878 was well-received, and it remains a popular opera to this day.

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