Maria Padilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maria Padilla |
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| by Gaetano Donizetti | |
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Gaetano Donizetti, portrayed by Joseph Kriehuber in 1842
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| Librettist |
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| Language | Italian |
| Based on | François Ancelot's play about María de Padilla |
| Premiere | 26 December 1841: La Scala, Milan |
Maria Padilla is an opera in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti. An opera is a type of play where most of the story is told through singing, often with an orchestra playing music. Donizetti, a famous Italian composer, wrote the music. The words, called the libretto, were written by Gaetano Rossi and Donizetti himself.
The opera first opened on December 26, 1841, at La Scala in Milan, Italy. The story is loosely based on the real-life María de Padilla, a powerful woman connected to King Pedro the Cruel of Castile in Spain.
Contents
What is an Opera?
An opera is like a big musical play. It combines singing, acting, costumes, scenery, and an orchestra. The singers perform the story, using their voices to express feelings and tell what is happening. The music helps set the mood and makes the story exciting.
Who Was Gaetano Donizetti?
Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1844) was a very important Italian composer. He wrote nearly 70 operas! He lived during a time when opera was extremely popular in Italy. Donizetti was known for his beautiful melodies and exciting dramatic scenes. Some of his most famous operas include Lucia di Lammermoor and The Daughter of the Regiment.
The Story Behind Maria Padilla
The opera Maria Padilla tells a dramatic story. It is based on a play by François Ancelot. The play, and then the opera, took inspiration from the life of a real person named María de Padilla. She was a significant figure in the history of Castile, a kingdom in what is now Spain, during the 14th century.
The opera focuses on the challenges and struggles Maria faces because of her relationship with King Pedro. While the opera takes some ideas from history, it also adds many fictional parts to make the story more exciting for the stage.
Images for kids
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Sophie Löwe, who created the role of Maria Padilla
See also
In Spanish: Maria Padilla para niños
