Composer

:

Peter Warlock

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

0:49

Peter Warlock's "The Droll Lover" is a one-act opera that premiered on June 14, 1929, at the New Theatre in London. The libretto was written by Frederick Reynolds, and the opera was commissioned by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for radio broadcast. The opera is based on a play by Aphra Behn, a 17th-century English playwright, and novelist. "The Droll Lover" is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Prologue," introduces the characters and sets the scene. The second movement, "The Masque," is a musical interlude that features a group of dancers and singers. The final movement, "The Play," is the main action of the opera. The opera is set in Naples, Italy, and tells the story of Don Octavio, a wealthy nobleman who is in love with Isabella, a beautiful young woman. However, Isabella is already engaged to Don Lopez, a wealthy merchant. Don Octavio decides to disguise himself as a droll, or a clown, in order to win Isabella's heart. He succeeds in his plan, but when Don Lopez discovers the truth, he challenges Don Octavio to a duel. Don Octavio wins the duel and is able to marry Isabella. "The Droll Lover" is characterized by its light and playful tone. The music is lively and energetic, with a mix of Italian and English influences. The opera also features a number of comedic elements, including mistaken identities and witty dialogue. The use of a masque in the second movement adds to the festive atmosphere of the opera. Overall, "The Droll Lover" is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Warlock's skill as a composer. Its lighthearted tone and playful music make it a popular choice for productions to this day.

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