Antonio Reparaz facts for kids

Antonio Reparaz (born October 3, 1831 – died April 14, 1886) was a talented Spanish composer. He became famous for writing many successful operas. He also composed popular zarzuelas, which are Spanish musical plays.

Antonio Reparaz: A Life in Music

Antonio Reparaz was born in Cádiz, Andalucia, Spain. His father was a military musician, so Antonio grew up surrounded by music. As a child, he sang in the choir at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Early Career and Studies

Reparaz showed his talent early. He conducted his first musical work when he was just 16 years old in Santander. Soon after, he received a scholarship from the government of Vizcaya. This scholarship allowed him to move to Rome, Italy, to study music further.

After his studies, he traveled through Paris. He was then hired as a director for the Real Teatro San Juan in Oporto, Portugal. He worked there for several seasons starting in 1872. He also spent a year conducting and premiering operas in different cities across Europe and America. He returned to Porto in 1873.

Success in Spain

Antonio Reparaz later premiered several zarzuelas in Madrid at the Teatro Circo. Zarzuelas are a type of Spanish musical theater. They mix spoken dialogue with songs and dances. He also presented some of his operas in other Spanish theaters.

In Zaragoza, he premiered a zarzuela called The feudal castle. In Madrid, he was a well-respected composer at the Teatro Circo for many years. Some of his works premiered there include Fifth and a Substitute and Harry the Devil. He also worked with other famous composers like Emilio Arrieta on Pablo and Virginia and A Throne and a Disappointment. In Valencia, he worked at the Teatro Principal during the 1882–83 season.

Reparaz became very successful with his zarzuelas. While he didn't write as many pieces as some of his friends like Ruperto Chapí or Gerónimo Giménez, his music was known for its high quality.

Antonio Reparaz's Musical Style

Antonio Reparaz was celebrated for his successful operas and zarzuelas. During his career, he explored many different musical styles. He composed operas, zarzuelas, and also symphonic and chamber music. This was during the time known as the Bourbon Restoration period (1875–1885) in Spain.

Composing for Orchestra

Reparaz used modern techniques in his compositions. He was also very dedicated to writing symphonic music. This was special because, at the time, there weren't many large orchestras in Spain. His symphonies showed influences from famous composers like Verdi and Beethoven.

His most popular works often had a true Spanish feel to them. In his later years, he wrote several symphonic poems. These are pieces of orchestral music that tell a story or describe a scene. His symphonic poems were clear and often had a nostalgic feeling.

Chamber Music and Collaborations

Reparaz also wrote several pieces for chamber music. This includes music for small groups of instruments, like trios, quartets, and a quintet. These works followed a more classic style, showing influences from French composers.

He also wrote music for plays like A Mi Nazarena with José Zorrilla and El Beso del Poeta.

Antonio Reparaz's Family Life

Antonio Reparaz had six children. Sadly, only two of them lived past the age of 18.

His eldest son, Gonzalo, became a well-known reporter and journalist. Gonzalo wrote books and gave talks about Africa. In 1890, Antonio's daughter Virgilia married Antonio Videgain, a famous orchestral conductor. Their son, Antonio Videgain Reparaz, was born in 1892. Antonio's third son, Ignacio, became a military man and guard. He passed away in 1926.

Selected Works by Antonio Reparaz

Antonio Reparaz wrote six operas and many zarzuelas.

• Gonzalo de Córdoba, opera, first shown in Oporto
• Pedro el cruel, opera
• Ardides y cuchilladas
• Pablo y Virginia, opera, Teatro Novedades, November 6, 1862
• El paraiso de Madrid, zarzuela in 3 acts
• El magnetismo
• La ventá encantada, in honor of Miguel de Cervantes 1871, zarzuela in three acts in verse, words by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer
• La cruz del valle, Madrid, Teatro Circo, October 22, 1860
• La gitanilla, Teatro de la Zarzuela, September 27, 1861
• La mina de oro, Madrid, Teatro Circo, November 19, 1861
• Harry el diablo, zarzuela in two acts, words by Narciso Serra and Miguel Pastorfido, Madrid, Teatro Circo, February 21, 1862
• Las bodas de camacho, Madrid, Teatro Circo, October 9, 1866
• Un quinto y sustituto

See also

In Spanish: Antonio Reparaz para niños