Der Barbier von Bagdad facts for kids
Der Barbier von Bagdad (which means The Barber of Baghdad in English) is a funny German opera. It was written by Peter Cornelius, who created both the music and the story. The opera's story comes from a famous collection of tales called One Thousand and One Nights, specifically the parts about a tailor and a barber's stories.
This opera was first performed in a city called Weimar on December 15, 1858. It's by far the most successful work by Peter Cornelius and is still performed regularly today, making it his only opera that's well-known.
Contents
Meet the Characters
Here are the main characters you'll meet in The Barber of Baghdad:
- Nureddin - A young man who is in love. He's sung by a tenor, which is a high male voice.
- Bostana - Margiana's loyal servant. She helps Margiana and is sung by a mezzo-soprano, a female voice that's lower than a soprano but higher than an alto.
- Abdul Hassan Ali Ebn Bekar, the barber - A very talkative barber who causes a lot of confusion. He's sung by a bass, which is the lowest male voice.
- Margiana - The beautiful young woman Nureddin loves. She's sung by a soprano, the highest female voice.
- Baba Mustapha, the Cadi - The local judge and Margiana's father. He's also sung by a tenor.
- The Caliph - The wise ruler of Baghdad. He's sung by a baritone, a male voice that's between a tenor and a bass.
What's the Story About?
The opera tells a funny story about love, misunderstandings, and a very chatty barber.
Nureddin's Love Story
Nureddin is deeply in love with Margiana. He's so lovesick that his servant, Bostana, worries about him. She promises to help him meet Margiana.
The Barber's Big Mouth
When Nureddin goes to Margiana's house, he meets Abdul Hassan, the barber. The barber is incredibly talkative and loves to tell long stories about his six brothers. He just won't stop talking! This makes things very difficult for Nureddin, who is trying to have a secret meeting with Margiana.
A Mix-Up and a Happy Ending
The barber's endless chatter and some misunderstandings lead to a lot of chaos. Margiana's father, the Cadi, gets involved, and there's a big commotion. Luckily, the wise Caliph arrives to sort everything out. In the end, the Caliph helps Nureddin and Margiana get together, and everyone learns a lesson about listening and not jumping to conclusions. It's a light-hearted story with lots of humor!
See also
In Spanish: El barbero de Bagdad para niños
