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The Bohemian Girl is an Irish Romantic opera composed by Michael William Balfe with a libretto by Alfred Bunn. The plot is loosely based on a Miguel de Cervantes ' tale, La gitanilla .
Michael William Balfe (15 May 1808 – 20 October 1870) was an Irish composer, best remembered for his operas, especially The Bohemian Girl. After a short career as a violinist, Balfe pursued an operatic singing career, while he began to compose.
Recorded National Concert Hall, Dublin January 1991. DECCA BRITISH MUSIC COLLECTION 473 077-2 [2 CDs 150’29] BUY NOW. AmazonUK AmazonUS. Beecham conducted only two operas at Covent Garden after the War – Die Meistersinger and The Bohemian Girl, of which a tantalising snippet has apparently circulated amongst collectors.
Much has been written about Balfe’s most enduring and popular grand opera The Bohemian Girl which opened at Drury Lane on 27 November 1843, with Elizabeth Rainforth, William Harrison, Conrado Borrani and George Stretton. Balfe conducted and received an ovation when he appeared.
Biddlecombe distills much of this in his notes for Bonynge's recording of the opera (see above). An early 20th century summary and analysis and short biography of Balfe can be found in J. Cuthbert-Hadden, The Great Operas: The Bohemian Girl ( London : T.C. & E.C. Jack, 1907)
The Bohemian Girl is an opera composed by Michael William Balfe with a libretto by Alfred Bunn. The plot is loosely based on a Cervantes tale, La Gitanilla. The opera was first produced in London at the Drury Lane Theatre on November 27, 1843.
"The Bohemian Girl" was first produced at Drury Lane Theatre on November 27, 1843. Sir Julius Benedict was then the musical chief at Drury Lane, but Balfe himself conducted the first performance. At this performance, the audience went almost wild with enthusiasm.
