Dalbert's opera "Lowlands" CD

Lowland, Opera, Opera in Three Acts, was written by Rotar based on Jimera's "Lowland" and composed by Dabert. It was first performed in Prague on November 15, 1903. The second edition found a place in the German opera repertoire after its premiere in Magburg in 1905.

This is one of the most important German realism operas and the greatest evidence of Dabert's reputation. This play is full of strong contrast, so it can bring a high degree of dramatic power. Dabert's music is based on dominant motivation, vividly exuding the inner and outer plot rhythm with powerful open tones. The freedom and peace of the mountains contrast with the coercion and narrowness of the valleys, which is the source of musical tension.

The story is set in the mountains of Catalonia, Spain around 1900. Sebastian, the landlord, married his mistress to the simple shepherd, Piedero, and he himself planned to marry a rich woman, hoping to save his financial difficulties, but at the same time continued to use Marta as his mistress. Everyone in the village knows this story, except Pedro was kept in the dark and became a laughing stock of everyone. Marta came into contact with Pedero and went on to appreciate his integrity. They nervously admitted their love for each other. After Sebastian's ill-intentioned marriage plan failed, they tried to force Marta to love him. Piedero finally subdued the landlord and returned to the mountains of freedom with his lover.

Scene 1: Inside the mill

All the servants of Sebastian, the landlord, knew about the relationship between their employer and Marta, the village girl, except Pedero. So when he had bad thoughts about Marta, others laughed at the ignorant shepherd boy. Now Sebastian was to be engaged to the daughter of a nobleman, so Sebastian arranged for Marta to marry Petro. Marta, who was pure and loyal in heart, knew that the landlord had ill intentions; at the same time, she gradually became fond of and envious of the shepherd boy, but she was unable to resist the fate arranged for her. The wedding was held immediately, and the shepherd boy Pedro happily accepted the blessings of the villagers. However, the hateful Sebastian still wanted to maintain his relationship with Marta. On the wedding night, the bride neither entered his own room nor slept with Pedro, which puzzled him and at a loss.

Act 2: Inside the mill

Early in the morning, another village girl, Nuri, also had a good impression on Petero. She sang and danced when she entered the venue and found that Petero was lonely and depressed. The poor shepherd boy told Nuri that he would leave here. It happened that Marta came out of the room and saw the two talking. She became jealous and ordered Nuri to leave. Pedero also left with Nuri. Marta was at a loss when she saw this situation, so she discussed with the village elders. The elders suggested that she tell Pedero the truth. But Marta couldn't bear to break the shepherd boy's heart, because she felt that Piedro really loved her, and she herself gradually felt true for Piedro. Soon, Piedero came back and told Marta that he did not belong to the lowlands, but that he came from a high mountain far away from the crowd. Marta asked him to take her up the mountain. In his rage, the shepherd boy brandished a sharp blade to kill her. But love called in his heart, and he finally put down the knife apologetically. The two quickly reconciled and decided to leave together. Unfortunately, the two were a step late. At this time, Sebastian came into the house, and many villagers also came in to make a wedding ceremony. Sebastian played the guitar randomly and asked Marta to perform a dance for everyone. At this time, Piedero rushed towards Sebastian angrily, and the villagers hurriedly mediated, so that the fight between the two was avoided.

Act 3: Inside the Mill

Sebastian's behavior reached the ears of his fiancee, who was deeply ashamed and refused to marry him. Sebastian would return to Marta to seek comfort, and Marta also avoided him. Disappointed, the landlord wanted to pursue it with force, which made Marta cry for help. When Pedro heard Marta calling for help, he left the villagers and ran and jumped. He ran back to his house and fought hand-to-hand with the landlord. After fierce fighting, he finally subdued the landlord. When Sebastian asked Piedero for forgiveness, the villagers gathered together, and the shepherd boy asked triumphantly,"You won't embarrass me anymore, will you?" So Pedero held Marta in his young and powerful arms and took her back to the mountain of freedom.