Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1929 - 1932

First Performance

:

Jul 1, 1933

Average_duration

:

149:38

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

Arabella is an opera in three acts composed by Richard Strauss with a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. The opera was composed between 1930 and 1932 and premiered on July 1, 1933, at the Dresden State Opera in Germany. The plot of Arabella revolves around the Waldner family, who are in financial trouble and are trying to marry off their daughter Arabella to a wealthy suitor. Arabella, however, is not interested in marrying for money and is waiting for true love. She meets a young man named Mandryka, who is from a wealthy family in Croatia, and they fall in love. However, misunderstandings and complications arise, and Arabella's father agrees to marry her off to a wealthy man named Elemer. In the end, Arabella and Mandryka are reunited, and they declare their love for each other. The opera is characterized by its lush and romantic music, which is typical of Strauss's style. The vocal writing is demanding, particularly for the role of Arabella, which requires a soprano with a powerful and agile voice. The orchestration is also complex, with a large orchestra that includes a variety of percussion instruments, brass, and strings. Arabella is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct musical style. The first act is characterized by light and playful music, while the second act is more dramatic and intense. The third act is the most romantic and features some of the most beautiful music in the opera. The premiere of Arabella was a great success, and the opera has since become one of Strauss's most popular works. It is often performed in opera houses around the world and is considered a masterpiece of the genre. The opera's themes of love, money, and social status are still relevant today, making it a timeless work of art.

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