Tomás Bretón · Romanticism
1894
Lirical skier · Madrid
Tonality
Without a unique tone. Like all zarzuela, it goes through many tonalities along its numbers.
From the atril
The verbena of the Paloma, premiered at the Apollo Theatre in Madrid in 1894 with libretto by Ricardo de la Vega, is probably the most loved zarzuela of all. His subtitle sums it up with humor: «The boticary and the chulapas and jealousy badly repressed». Paradoxically, Breton, who was fighting for serious opera, reached immortality with this laureate of an act.
The action takes place during the verbena of the Virgin of the Paloma, in the heart of Madrid. Julián, a printing cashier, is jealous because his girlfriend Susana goes to the verbena with Don Hilarion, an old boast. The score is a succession of unforgettable numbers: the dialogue «Where are you going with manton from Manila?», the following, the coffee house, the verbena chorus and the famous intervention of Don Hilarion, «A brunette and a blonde». It all happens in less than an hour, with a freshness, a theatrical rhythm and a perfect melodic grace. Saint- Saint- Saint- has sincerely admired her. It is a jewel of the Spanish music theatre.
What to hear
- «Where are you going with manton from Manila?».
- «A brunette and a blonde» from Don Hilarion.
- The coffee house.
