By Jill Yesko, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 3-25-08
"La vida breve"
GREENSBORO, NC – “La vida breve,” a seldom-performed opera noted for its gypsy-influenced music, flamenco dance rhythms and colorful peasant wedding celebration, will be presented by the School of Music and Department of Theatre.
The opera, whose title means “the brief life,” will be presented Thursday and Friday, April 10-11, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m., at Taylor Theatre.
First performed in 1913, “La vida breve,” tells the story of a beautiful young gypsy woman named Salud who is passionately in love with Paco, a man who is, unbeknownst to her, engaged to an upper class woman. Salud defiantly confronts Paco about his duplicity before his astonished bride and wedding guests, but Paco denies knowing her. Her heart broken, Salud drops dead at Paco’s feet in a gesture of ultimate contempt for her former lover.
Set against a backdrop of village life in southern Spain, “La vida breve” features melancholy Andalusian folk songs and Moorish-tinged soul singing known as cante jondo. The work is regarded as one of the finest examples of 20th century Spanish opera.
“La vida breve” is noted for the “Danse Espanole,” a well-known piece that is a violin showpiece arranged by Friz Kreisler. “La vida breve” is unusual for having as much purely instrumental music as vocal music. Its opening scene portrays a typical morning in a small Spanish village set to a male chorus of anvil workers plying their trade in the local forge.
Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors, students and children; $9 groups of 10 or more and UNCG Alumni Association members; $7 UNCG students. Tickets are available at the UNCG Box Office (336) 334-4849, or http://boxoffice.uncg.edu.
