The Spanish opera La Dolores premiered in Madrid in 1895. Tomás Bretón, who both wrote the libretto and composed the music, was attempting in part to create a Spanish national opera.
Characters in La Dolores
- Dolores, a servant at the inn (Soprano)
- Gaspara, the inkeeper (Mezzo-soprano)
- Lazaro, her son, a candidate for the priesthood (Tenor)
- Celemino (Tenor)
- Melchior, a barber (Baritone)
- Patrizio, a rich man (Bass)
- Rojas, a sergeant (Bass)
- Mulateer (Tenor)
Synopsis of La Dolores
The opera takes place in the late nineteenth century in Calatayud, Spain.
Act I
Patrizio and Celemino sit in the square outside Gaspara's inn. Patrizio wishes to marry Dolores, but Celemino advises him that she loves Melchior. A troop of soldiers enters, and Sergeant Rojas, who is also in love with Dolores, drinks with Patrizio and Celemino. Dolores mocks and rejects them both, but eventually joins them to drink. Lazaro, another poor soul in love with Dolores, enters to bring her a message.
Finally alone with Melchior, Dolores confronts him about rumors that he will marry someone else. He confirms the rumors. She curses him for taking her honor. The others enter, dancing the Jota (Aragon's national dance). Melchior mocks her, telling the others that she will bestow favors on any man. Enraged, Dolores again curses him.
Act II
Lazaro speaks with his mother about his ordination to the priesthood. When she leaves, he wonders to himself what he should do about his feelings for Dolores. Celemino, Patrizio, and Rojas enter, prepared for the bull fight; Rojas boasts that he can easily win. Melchior enters, claiming that he is Dolores's lover. She denies it, and attempts to drown him out by playing her guitar.
When the others have gone, Lazaro decides to tell Dolores that he loves her. She is uncertain at first because he is much younger than she, but eventually accepts and embraces him. The others enter and mock him, and Lazaro hits Celemino in response.
At the bull fight, Rojas does not live up to his boast. In order to rescue Rojas from certain death, Lazaro rushes in and kills the bull. Everyone applauds his bravery, and Dolores declares her love to him.
Act III
At night, Lazaro says his prayers. Dolores warns him not to visit her that night, as she is expecting Melchior. Celemino tells Lazaro what Melchior said about Dolores. Afraid of what Melchior might do to her, Dolores asks Rojas and Patrizio to come to her room that night. She tells Gaspara that she and Lazaro are in love, but Gaspara is horrified.
Melchior torments Dolores until she has lost her strength. Suddenly Lazaro enters and attacks Melchior, swearing that he will kill Dolores, too. The two men fall out the window, killing Melchior. When the others break down the door to see what happened, Dolores tries to take the blame, but Lazaro reveals that he killed Melchior because he made Dolores "impure."
Sources:
- Mason, Henry L. Opera Stories. Boston: Henry L. Mason, 1912.
- Melitz, Leo, trans. Richard Salinger. The Opera Goer's Complete Guide. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1921.
Join the Conversation