Main composers of ZARZUELA

Thanks to the wide History of Spain and its various sources of influence, it can be said that the country has been a cradle of many cultural contributions. In music and theater, its composers and writers have been responsible for leaving us works of characteristic quality, such as the zarzuela, a genre that has existed and remains. since the seventeenth century. In this lesson from a TEACHER we will talk about zarzuela composers, so you can learn more about this wonderful music and its creators.

The zarzuela is a theatrical style musical form (scenic) that arose in Spain during the seventeenth century. It contains both instrumental and vocal parts that can vary in formation, that is, they can be with soloists, duos and choirs among others. The zarzuela is called as such since in due course due to the fact that the first works that were performed in this modality took place in the Zarzuela Palace and that's where it got its name.

The zarzuela could be compared to an operetta, since in principle the music alternates with declamations. Even so, over time, zarzuelas were created that do not have spoken parts, becoming

the hispanic version of the opera, since although it has its origins in Spain; it eventually spread to the entire Spanish-speaking world.

Before talking about the composers of zarzuela we have to know the origin of this musical style. The first work recognized by historians under the term zarzuela was created by Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca en the year 1657, its name was "The Gulf of Mermaids."

From the birth of the term, the zarzuela was flowing in popularity and style. During the 18th century they were assimilated to Italian operas due to its popularity but later this changed due to political events, returning again to characteristics with Spanish tradition.

It is in the nineteenth century that zarzuelas take a boom, a time when the public managed to assimilate the works very well thanks to their genre of manners (the reflection of culture, folklore and ideology of the society), to such an extent that people learned the songs of the work and it was disseminated in a oral.

Finally in the twentieth century we can recognize the creation of zarzuela works with higher quality speaking musically and also had great acceptance by the public.

But let's get into the matter now to meet the most prominent zarzuela composers. Here we offer you a summary of the most recognized artists of this Spanish musical genre.

Antonio de Literes Carrión (1673-1747)

One of the representative musical composers of the Spanish Baroque. He did many works commissioned by the court, although he also had the opportunity to present his works outside the court. In addition to zarzuelas, he created operas and religious works. Some works of zarzuela:Jupiter and Danae, Jealousy has no respect.

Emilio Arrieta (1821-1894)

He is another of the most important zarzuela composers. He was a composer, teacher, and conductor. His closeness to royalty earned him the title of "court composer." He spent a lot of time in Italy and therefore created several works in the genre of opera but eventually back in Spain he took an interest in zarzuelas thanks to the popularity they obtained in that then. He went on to create 50 zarzuela titles. Some works of zarzuela: The blue domino, Marina.

Francisco Asenjo Barbieri (1823-1894)

Musical composer mainly of zarzuelas. He created around 70 zarzuelas, which are recognized for having their own Spanish customs qualities. Some works of zarzuela: Play with fire, The diamonds in the crown.

Federico Chueca (1846-1908)

Federico Chueca is another of the best zarzuela composers. Pianist and composer. One of the maximum representatives of the boy genre, that is to say, the zarzuelas that have a single act. In addition to the zarzuelas he is also recognized by his sainetes and magazines. Some works of zarzuela: The great way, The batting.

Tomás Barrera Saavedra (1870-1938)

He devoted himself mainly to the creation of works for the theater and collaborated with many relevant figures of the medium during the 19th and 20th centuries, a time when zarzuelas predominated. Many of the works in which he was involved do not bear his name, diluted among many other authors in the field. Still, he is recognized as a composer of various works. Some works of zarzuela: Emigrants, The Virgin Captain.

Francisco Alonso López (1887-1948)

Versatile composer of opera, comedies, dances and zarzuela among others, recognized for his style of good spirits, cheerful with grace and directed to popular taste. Many of his works have themes inspired by the Spanish regions, such as the Andalusian environment or the Madrid environment. Some works of zarzuela: The shoemaker, They call me the presumptuous.

José Padilla Sánchez (1889-1960)

Internationally renowned pianist and composer who created works for various media including theater, popular music, and film (he composed for directors such as Federico Fellini and Woody Allen). His musical works have been valued to the point of being declared as international interest by UNESCO. Some works of zarzuela: The gypsy copla, Sol de sevilla.

Federico Moreno Torroba (1891-1982)

And we finish this review of the most outstanding zarzuela composers to talk about Moreno Torroba. Composer of theater and pieces for guitar, as well as music critic. He also created works of a symphonic nature. His style is characterized by being direct but elegant. He has under his name approximately 50 zarzuela titles. Some works of zarzuela: La marchenera, La Caramba.

The zarzuela is a musical genre loaded with cultural richness. Now that you know more about them, you will be able to appreciate and learn more about Spanish folklore.

Image source: Juan March Foundation