Opri Popolari fil-Gżejjer Maltin

L-opra hija waħda mill-forom l-iktar popolari tal-mużika lirika tal-Punent. F’Opri Popolari fil-Gzejjer Maltin nsibu l-għoxrin opra li kienu u għadhom l-iktar popolari f’Malta u Għawdex minn mindu bdew jintwerew fit-teatri tagħna sal-ġurnata ta’ din il-pubblikazzjoni. Kważi kollha huma opri liriċi, sentimentali jew traġiċi, iżda mibnija lkoll fuq l-imħabba, iż-żwieġ u t-tradimenti. Hawnhekk se neħduhom waħda waħda u, skont l-ordni tal-popolarità tagħhom f’pajjiżna, nirrakkontaw l-istorja tagħhom u nagħtu xi ftit dettalji dwar l-opra u l-kompożitur. B’hekk ikollna ħjiel interessanti dwar dawn ix-xogħlijiet artistiċi li għamlu isem, anke jekk xi wħud minnhom ilhom miktubin mitejn sena u fuqhom. Iżda tajjeb li niftakru li s-sbuħija tal-opra tapprezzaha mhux billi taqra dwarha iżda billi taraha maħduma fuq il-palk u tisma’ l-mużika mill-isbaħ li takkumpanja l-istorja.

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Operas are one of the most popular elements in the Western classical music tradition and in that of the former Soviet bloc. They are an art form which incorporates many of the components of spoken theatre such as acting, scenery and costumes, and even dance. Operas are generally produced in a theatre or in an opera house and accompanied by an orchestra. In Opri Popolari fil-Gzejjer Maltin by Tony C. Cutajar are the 20 most popular operas in the Maltese islands, from the time they started being produced until the present time. Almost all of them are sentimental or tragic, lyric operas. Interesting details about each of the operas and their composers are provided, together with summaries of their plots. The beauty of operas is truly appreciated when they are seen on stage, enhanced by music which remains timeless.