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THE OPERA IN SPLIT by Miljenko Grgiæ |
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THE OPERA IN SPLIT by Miljenko Grgiæ |
The opera had been performed and cultivated in Split much before an opera house was established. The first certain data concerning operatic performances in Split can be traced back to the year of 1750, when there were concerts and recitals much resembling the opera, initiated and organized by a group of Split noblemen. It was actually a response to similar events taking place in the neighbouring countries, from which travelling opera troupes occasionally visited Split as guest performers. There are some indications pointing to the first operas composed by Julije Bajamonti being performed in Split as early as the end of the 18th century. Bajamonti s operas were based on the librettos written by Pietro Metastasio, a renowned librettist of the time. This was actually something that could be called a conclusion or a summary a creative and reproductive era, which was unfortunately not continued or resumed in the 19th century. At the time when the Municipal Theatre of Split was constructed in 1893, an important role was played by visiting opera troupes from Bohemia and Slovakia, and the presence of artists from the Zagreb Opera House was more intensely felt in the town which was rediscovering its national identity. In the period between the two world wars (1918-1941) there were attempts towards an establishment of an opera house or a permanent opera ensemble all of which unfortunately failed, partly due to a shortage of financial means, but also to a certain extent due to the ignorance and indifference of the then authorities. It was not until after the Second World War that centuries long desire of the Split opera goers was fulfilled by establishing an opera ensemble on a permanent basis; the opera whose activity has been continuous up to the present day. The author mainly concentrates on a chronological survey of the most important events in the annals of the Split opera ensemble. The history of its development can be classified into three distinct periods.
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The first is the so-called ßheroic eraÇ, lasting from 1945 till 1970 and marked by establishing and reinforcing the ensembles, by enthusiasm, ardour and perseverance, all of which combined to result in an extremely high productivity which was never again to be achieved or surpassed. The second period (1970-1979) was characterized by a crisis, which was not only caused by the destruction of the building in a fire and the ensuing lack of adequate working premises. The crisis would have nevertheless occurred due to a generation shift, fluctuation of the personnel and lack of interest and support exercised by the local authorities. The reconstruction of the theatre in 1979 marked the commencement of the third period which has extended up to the present day. At this time great attention has been paid to high professional standards of opera productions, which has undoubtedly contributed to a reputation by far exceeding regional boundaries. With the political changes following the first free general election in 1990, more emphasis has been laid on producing and performing the national opera repertoire, which had frequently been neglected in the past. With minor deviations, the opera in Split has always been and remained a place where numerous gifted artists, musicians, singers and conductors have made their debuts and commenced successful careers. It is also the place where major classics of the world opera repertoire, as well as Croatian musical heritage, have been promoted. |
