Composer

:

Amadeo Vives

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1914

"Maruxa" is an opera composed by Amadeo Vives, a Spanish composer, in 1914. The opera premiered on February 18, 1914, at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid, Spain. The libretto was written by Federico Romero and Guillermo Fernández-Shaw. The plot of "Maruxa" is set in a small village in Galicia, Spain. The story revolves around Maruxa, a young woman who is in love with a wealthy landowner named Marcos. However, Marcos is engaged to another woman, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Maruxa's father is a fisherman who is struggling to make ends meet, and he hopes that Maruxa will marry Marcos to improve their financial situation. Maruxa's father arranges for her to meet Marcos, but Marcos is uninterested in her. Instead, he falls in love with Maruxa's friend, a young woman named Ana. Maruxa is heartbroken, but she decides to help Marcos and Ana be together. She convinces her father to lend Marcos the money he needs to start a business, and she helps Marcos and Ana elope. The first movement of "Maruxa" is a prelude that sets the tone for the opera. It is a lively and energetic piece that features the orchestra playing a melody that is reminiscent of traditional Galician music. The second movement is the opening scene of the opera, which takes place in Maruxa's village. The music is light and playful, reflecting the carefree nature of the villagers. The third movement is a duet between Maruxa and Marcos. The music is romantic and passionate, reflecting the love that Maruxa feels for Marcos. The fourth movement is a solo by Marcos, in which he expresses his love for Ana. The music is tender and emotional, reflecting the depth of Marcos' feelings. The fifth movement is a trio between Maruxa, Marcos, and Ana. The music is complex and layered, reflecting the complicated relationships between the three characters. The final movement is a grand finale that brings the opera to a close. The music is triumphant and celebratory, reflecting the happy ending of the story. Overall, "Maruxa" is a beautiful and emotional opera that showcases Vives' talent for composing music that is both traditional and innovative. The opera's use of Galician music and themes makes it a unique and important work in the Spanish operatic tradition.

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