Product Number | 7.0470 |
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Composer/Arranger | Bach, Jan |
Text Author | Bach, Jan; de Cervantes, Miguel |
Voicing & Instruments | Opera in One Act |
Rental Dept | Full score and parts available for rental. Click here to request a quote or order. |
Popular Opera Searches | Duration: 30-60 min, Duration: 60-90 min |
Duration | 60' |
Reviews | Bach... wrote his own libretto, from Cervantes, and his hour-long opera buffa is a genuine delight, mostly in rhyming couplets, with bubbling humor and a few double entendres. The work of a fine musical craftsman. His music for sheer vigor and inventiveness rivals some of the finest ensemble writing of Strauss and Britten.. |
Publisher | Galaxy Music Corporation |
Libretto:
Written by Jan Bach, based on Cervantes' interludes La Cueva De Salamanca and El Viejo Celoso
Synopsis:
A one-act farce. The maid, Cristina, helps old Craccio pack for a trip. No sooner is he gone than Cristina's plans for a party are revealed to Craccio's young wife, Mariana. The pre-arranged visit of Nicolas and Gonzalo (the old man's barber and apothecary) is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a handsome student, Stephano, to whom Cristina takes an instant liking. Their lover's tryst in the kitchen is interrupted by the unexpected return of Craccio. Stephano, in the guise of a magician, tries to allay the old man's suspicions by "materializing" two demons who bear a striking resemblance to Gonzalo and Nicolas. Craccio begs Stephano to stay, since such magic could be put to good use. Stephano agrees only on condition that his two "demons" are allowed to remain. All express their delight — except Gonzalo and Nicolas, who agree that they have now been placed in a situation from which they may never be able to escape.
Roles: | |
Mariana, a beautiful young wife | Soprano |
Craccio, her aged husband | Tenor |
Cristina, their buxom, middle-aged servant | Mezzo-Soprano |
Gonzalo, Craccio's apothercary | Tenor |
Nicolas, Craccio's barber | Bass-Baritone |
Stephano, a handsome young student | Baritone |
Awards:
Winner of The New York City Opera Competition, 1980