Publisher's Synopsis
Dona Flor is a lyrical drama in one act with music by Niccolo van Westerhout and libretto by Arturo Colautti. Composed for the theater of Mola di Bari, already named after van Westerhout, Dona Flor was performed for the first time on April 18, 1896. This one-act opera was conceived keeping in mind its dimensions, insufficient to contain large vocal and instrumental ensemble, or to allow dazzling scenic changes. The scene is only one, singers and orchestra members were reduced to the minimum necessary: three protagonists, a gondolier's chorus out of scene, and a forty-three elements orchestra, as requested by the composer. Dona Flor is one of the most beautiful and outstanding Nineteenth century's Italian operas; a one-act that would do well when placed amongst others whose fate was less transient and whose creators more lucky."
