La figlia del mago facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La figlia del mago |
|
|---|---|
| by Lorenzo Ferrero | |
| Librettist | Marco Ravasini |
| Language | imaginary language |
| Premiere | 31 July 1981: Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte, Montepulciano |
La figlia del mago (which means The Sorcerer's Daughter) is a special opera made for children. It has two parts, called acts. Lorenzo Ferrero wrote the music, and Marco Ravasini wrote the story, which is called a libretto.
This opera was finished in 1981. It has a fun subtitle: giocodramma melodioso. This is a clever play on words, like saying "playful musical drama." The story is written in a made-up language. This makes the opera even more fun and playful!
The music in The Sorcerer's Daughter is designed to show kids how Italian opera works. It even makes fun of some common opera traditions. Besides professional singers, children also get to act as mimes in the show.
Contents
Characters in the Opera
This table shows the main characters in The Sorcerer's Daughter. It also tells you what kind of singing voice they have.
| Role | Voice type | Premiere cast, July 31, 1981 (Conductor: Jan Latham Koenig) |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Soprano, King Bass' daughter | soprano | Lauretta Perasso |
| Prince Tenor, King Baritone's son | tenor | Gianni Mastino |
| King Baritone | baritone | Denis Krief |
| King Bass, The Sorcerer | bass | Roberto Scandiuzzi |
| Dancing mimes, sailors, soldiers, a fantastic horse, an odd bird, a sea monster. | ||
The Story of the Opera
The opera tells a magical story with kings, princesses, and even a sea monster!
Act 1: A Stormy Arrival
The first act begins on a dark and stormy night. A ship is trying hard to reach the land. On board is Prince Tenor. He is returning home from a faraway land.
With him is his fiancée, Princess Soprano. He also brings exciting gifts from his travels. These include two amazing exotic animals.
Prince Tenor's father, King Baritone, is not happy. He completely refuses to let his son marry Princess Soprano. Why? Because she is from another country. Plus, she is the daughter of a sorcerer!
Then, Princess Soprano's father arrives. This is King Bass, who is also the Sorcerer. He comes with his pet sea monster. King Bass tries to convince his daughter to come back home with him.
But Princess Soprano refuses to leave Prince Tenor. So, King Bass uses his magic powers. He makes the exotic animals attack King Baritone's court!
A battle begins. Prince Tenor quickly runs to protect his father. He bravely saves King Baritone. Even after showing how brave and worthy he is, Prince Tenor is still not allowed to marry Soprano.
Act 2: Magic and a Happy Ending
In the second act, King Baritone is in his bedroom. He is having a very restless night. Suddenly, King Bass's sea monster sneaks in! It is about to attack King Baritone.
But once again, Prince Tenor rushes in. He puts the monster to flight, saving his father again. King Baritone wakes up. He sees Tenor with a sword in his hand. He wrongly accuses his son of trying to hurt him.
King Baritone is furious. He sentences both Prince Tenor and Princess Soprano to death. They are thrown into prison.
Just as they are about to be executed, King Bass bursts in. He wants to free his daughter. But Princess Soprano is clever. She quickly grabs her father's magic wand!
She casts a spell on both fathers. The spell makes them dance wildly and frantically. They dance until they beg for mercy! Finally, they agree to let Prince Tenor and Princess Soprano get married.
Everyone is very happy! Preparations for the wedding ceremony begin right away. Everyone joins in the celebration. Even the two fantastic animals and the sea monster are part of the joy!
