October 25th is World Opera Day. Did you know that Seville is the city in the world that has inspired more operas, specifically 153, as reported in the 2012 study and book “Seville. City of 150 Operas”.
The opera season in Seville focuses on the modern Teatro de la Maestranza.
Why Seville? It seems that the European authors of romanticism and travelers fell in love with Seville for its exoticism.
Some of these operas are very well known and among the most performed.
Carmen
Written by the French Georges Bizet. The plot is set in Seville in 1820. Its main protagonist, Carmen, works as a cigar-maker and is indomitable. Carmen seduces Don José, a young corporal who loses his head for her and ends up starring in a tragic ending.
Surely you have heard the chorus “Toreador”. Wait a little while for the melody to begin
The Don José barracks was located in a building on Menéndez Pelayo Avenue, which today has administrative functions.
The Royal Tobacco Factory where Carmen worked is now the headquarters of the University of Seville:
Carmen meets her death at the hands of Don José at the Puerta del Príncipe of the Plaza de Toros:
The Barber of Seville.
Opera by Rosssini. Its main character is Figaro, a city barber who helps a friend of his to prevent Rosina, whom he loves, from marrying Bartolo, a man much older than her.
You will recognize Figaro's aria.
or its famous overture
Rosina's balcony, which appears in the opera, is located in the Plaza de Alfaro in front of the Jardines de Murillo.
The Marriage of Figaro
This opera is by Mozart. It is the second part of The Barber of Seville and narrates the wedding of Figaro and Susanna.
Its overture is unmistakable
Fidelio
Beethoven's opera, set in a prison fortress in 18th century Seville. Leonora, disguised as a guard named Fidelio, rescues her husband Florestan who is condemned to death.
The best known is the quartet
Under the current Triana Market, the castle of San Jorge, is where Beethoven placed the action of this opera, as well as the old bridge of boats and the Altozano square.
The force of destiny
Verdi is the author in this case. Leonor and Don Alvaro are in love, although he is of a lower class. The father surprises them and Don Alvaro's gun accidentally goes off and the father is killed.
Don Giovanni
Mozart again. Although it is not set in Seville, the protagonist is a seducer from Seville, Don Juan Tenorio. It is a character created by Zorrilla
In the Plaza de los Refinadores, we can see the monument to Don Juan.
In the Plaza de los Venerables Don Juan performed some of his feats.
The house of Doña Ana Pantoja, fiancée of a rival of Don Juan, is located in the Plaza de la Alianza.
Maria de Padilla
Opera by Donizetti set in the Alcazar. María Padilla was the mistress of King Pedro I.
La Favorita
Another Donizetti opera in which the King walks through the Patio de Banderas.
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