Composer

:

Hans Werner Henze

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1969 - 1970

Average_duration

:

82:14

Movement_count

:

15

Movement ....

El Cimarrón is a chamber opera composed by Hans Werner Henze in 1969. The opera is based on the autobiography of Esteban Montejo, a former slave who escaped from his plantation in Cuba and lived as a fugitive in the mountains for many years. The libretto was written by the German poet and playwright, Hans Magnus Enzensberger. The opera premiered on June 3, 1970, at the Schwetzingen Festival in Germany. It was performed by four musicians and one singer, who played multiple roles. The singer, who played the role of Esteban Montejo, was a baritone. The opera is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different phase of Esteban Montejo's life. The first movement, titled "The Flight," depicts Esteban's escape from the plantation and his life as a fugitive in the mountains. The second movement, titled "The Slave," portrays Esteban's life as a slave on the plantation. The third movement, titled "The Rebel," shows Esteban's involvement in the Cuban War of Independence. The final movement, titled "The Old Man," depicts Esteban's life in old age, reflecting on his past experiences. The music of El Cimarrón is characterized by its use of unconventional instruments, such as a prepared piano, a guitar, and a percussion instrument called a flexatone. The music is also characterized by its use of Cuban folk music, which is blended with contemporary classical music. The music is highly expressive and emotional, reflecting the intense experiences of Esteban Montejo. Overall, El Cimarrón is a powerful and moving opera that tells the story of a remarkable man who overcame incredible obstacles to achieve freedom and independence. The music is innovative and highly expressive, making it a landmark work in contemporary classical music.

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