Movie spotlight
The Love for Three Oranges
With neat, plain building-block designs by Jacques Rapp, Louis Erlo's energetically-staged production of Prokofiev's surreal fairy-tale for the Lyon Opera is full of cartoon characters and swift farce. Based on a play by Carlo Gozzi, "L'Amour des Trois Oranges" tells the story of a doleful, hypochondriac Prince, who can only be cured through laughter. When he breaks into hysterics at the expense of the evil witch Fata Morgana, she curses him. His fate is to fall in love with three oranges
Insights
Plot Summary
A fantastical opera based on Carlo Gozzi's play, it tells the story of Prince Tartaglia, cursed with a madness that compels him to seek the "love for three oranges." His journey is fraught with magical interference from the sorceress Fata Morgana and her accomplice, Chlèa. Along the way, he encounters various characters and challenges, ultimately leading to the discovery of the three oranges and the women within them.
Critical Reception
As an opera, 'The Love for Three Oranges' is highly regarded for its innovative and satirical musical score by Sergei Prokofiev. Its blend of wit, fantasy, and biting commentary on theater and society has earned it a place in the standard operatic repertoire, though its complex staging and allegorical nature can be challenging for some audiences.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for Prokofiev's inventive and engaging score.
Appreciated for its satirical and fantastical elements.
Noted for its demanding vocal and dramatic requirements.
Google audience: Audience reception for specific stagings of 'The Love for Three Oranges' varies, but general sentiment points to an appreciation for the opera's unique musicality and humorous, albeit complex, narrative. Many find Prokofiev's score to be a highlight, while some note that the opera's surreal qualities can be polarizing.
Fun Fact
Prokofiev famously included a 'symphonic suite' from the opera, which became more popular than some of the staged productions during his lifetime.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources