Vicenç Cuyàs facts for kids
Vicente Cuyás (born Vicenç Cuyàs i Borés) was a talented Spanish composer. He was born in Palma de Mallorca on February 6, 1816, and sadly passed away in Barcelona on March 7, 1839. He is best known for his romantic opera called La fattucchiera, which means The Sorceress.
Contents
Early Life and Music Studies
Vicente Cuyás was born into a family from Catalonia. His family had moved to Palma de Mallorca during a war called the Peninsular War. Soon after, they moved back to Barcelona.
In Barcelona, Vicente first started studying medicine. But he quickly realized his true passion was music. When he was 17, he began taking music lessons. His teacher was Ramón Vilanova, who was one of the most respected music teachers in Barcelona at that time. Ramón Vilanova had studied music in Milan.
First Compositions and Performances
Vicente Cuyás started by writing some music for operas. These early pieces were often performed in private homes. However, most of his works were later performed at the Teatre de la Santa Creu in Barcelona.
In 1835, he wrote his First Symphony. This piece was actually a long musical introduction for an opera, all in one part. It became quite famous when he dedicated it to a well-known actress named Matilde Díez. Only a small part of his Second Symphony still exists today. By 1835, he had also composed several songs and duets for a play by Antonio Ribot.
When it came to writing operas, Vicente Cuyás was greatly inspired by the famous Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini.
His Famous Opera: La fattucchiera
Vicente Cuyás is mostly remembered for his opera La fattucchiera (The Sorceress or The Fortune-Teller). People consider it "perhaps the biggest event in Spanish nineteenth century opera," even though it is sung in Italian. To finish La fattucchiera very quickly, he stopped working on another opera called Ugo conte di Parigi. He also never finished a third opera, El sonámbulo.
Premiere and Success
La fattucchiera first opened on June 17, 1838, in Barcelona. It was a huge success! It was performed 20 times in its first season and then 7 more times in the 1839 season.
Sadly, Vicente Cuyás died very young, at just 22 years old, from a disease called tuberculosis. This happened in March 1839, right when the final scene of the opera's last performance was taking place. His father had also died from tuberculosis during the opera's rehearsals. If he had lived longer, Cuyás would likely have become a very important opera composer.
Story of the Opera
The story of La fattucchiera is based on a popular novel by the Viscount of Arlincourt. The story takes place in the 12th century, after the Third Crusade. It mixes historical events with a tale full of magic, witchcraft, evil powers, and the strong power of romantic love.
Interestingly, the famous Italian writer Felice Romani had written a similar story for another opera. That opera was Ismalia ossia Morte ed amore by Saverio Mercadante, which was performed in 1832. Another composer, Ramón Carnicer, also used the same story for an opera that opened in Madrid.
Recordings
- La fattuchiera, Ofèlia Sala (Ismalia), Simon Orfila (Ulrico), José Sempere (Oscar), under Josep Pons with the Orquestra Simfònica del Gran Teatre del Liceu. Columna Musica: Cat #: 1CM0101.
See also
In Spanish: Vicente Cuyás para niños
