The Zarzuela

Zarzuela is a form of theatrical music or stage musical genre that emerged in Spain. It is distinguished primarily by its inclusion of instrumental parts, vocal parts (solos, duets, choruses, etc.), and spoken parts, although there are exceptions in which the spoken parts are completely absent. The term "zarzuela," applied to the musical and theatrical genre, comes from the Zarzuela Palace, a Spanish royal palace located near Madrid and which housed the theater that hosted the first performances of the genre.

 

History

Zarzuela is a form of theatrical music or stage musical genre that emerged in Spain. It is distinguished primarily by its inclusion of instrumental parts, vocal parts (solos, duets, choruses, etc.), and spoken parts, although there are exceptions in which the spoken parts are completely absent. The term "zarzuela," applied to the musical and theatrical genre, comes from the Zarzuela Palace, a Spanish royal palace located near Madrid and which housed the theater that hosted the first performances of the genre.

In the early years of the 20th century, works of higher musical quality were composed, such as El puñao de rosas, La alegría del batallón, El trust de los tenorios en el género chico and Doña Francisquita by Amadeo Vives, La calesera or, a little earlier (in 1898), Gigantes y Cabezudos[2] by the maestro Manuel Fernández Caballero, who knew how to win over critics by composing a work very much to the "popular taste".

Zarzuela continues to thrive with these productions, which sometimes follow the musical structure of an Italian opera, thanks to composers of the stature of Francisco Alonso, José Padilla, Pablo Sorozábal, Federico Moreno Torroba, Tomas Barrera Saavedra, Rafael Calleja, Pablo Luna, José Serrano Simeón, and Jacinto Guerrero.

 

Regarding "Zarzueleando"

 

On this occasion, the Armonía Cultural Foundation, in order to bring the public closer to this beautiful musical genre, has prepared a show selecting some of the most representative duets and romances of this lyrical genre.

The audience will be able to hear performances such as Luisa Fernanda, the port tavern owner, and Doña Francisquita, among others. In order to create more opportunities for our students' academic development, the performance will feature audience interaction as an important element.

Our foundation's teaching staff is characterized by their unconditional dedication to their students, ensuring that the relationship between teachers and students is not only academic but also human.