A Night's Rest At Granada
NACHTLAGER VON GRANADA.
In two acts by CONRADIN KREUTZER.
Text taken from Kind's drama of the same name by Freiherr K. VON BRONN.
This little opera, which literally overflows with charming songs and
true German melody, has never passed the bounds of the country which
gave it birth, for notwithstanding, its beauties, which endear it to
the German people, it lacks d
amatic life and action. But in Germany
its melodies have penetrated into the hearts of the people, and will
never be taken thence.
The tale is very simple and treats of Spanish life in the middle of the
16th century.
The Crown-prince of Spain has strayed from his train, and, disguised as
a simple hunter, has found some shepherds, who grant him a night's rest
in an old castle. He excites their jealousy however by kissing the
pretty shepherdess Gabriela, and they resolve to kill and rob him.
Gabriela has two suitors, the kind shepherd Gomez, whom she loves, and
Vasco, a wild youngster, who calls her his bride against her wish and
will. In her distress she turns to the hunter, who promises to apply
to the Crown-Prince on her and her lover's behalf.
Gabriela, hearing of the plot against the hunter, becomes his
guardian-angel, for just as the Prince is about to succumb to the
ruffians, she brings on his followers, who have been found out by her
lover Gomez. The robbers are punished, and Gabriela, being allowed to
ask for a boon, begs to be united to Gomez. The Crown-Prince himself
joins their hands, granting them rich presents, and takes leave of the
peasants amid loud acclamations and benedictions.