IRINA ȘTEFĂNESCU
JOURNALIST
169 years ago, Ciprian Porumbescu was born in Şipotele Sucevei. Leaving us at only 29 years old, the young composer left us a treasure of over 250 musical works, including the first operetta of Romanian music, ”New Moon” (March 11, 1882), which the Bucharest National Opera staged – and offered it to the public 140 years after the first performance, based on a libretto written by Vasile Alecsandri.
On March 11, 1882, the premiere of the operetta in two acts “New Moon” – the first Romanian operetta, to the music of Ciprian Porumbescu and the music of Vasile Alexander. The show was a smashing success, so that two more performances were scheduled in the same year, in Braşov and another in Oraviţa.
The production of the National Opera, directed by Ioan Răzvan Dincă, reproduces, in a new way, the atmosphere of our traditional culture and harmoniously combines music with choreographic elements and digital projections. The operetta is based on the popular myth that the new moon can bring happiness to lovers.
The staging of the show “New Moon” is a tribute dedicated to Romanian cultural values and represents an important project, reminding the public that Ciprian Porumbescu’s music remains forever alive in the souls of listeners from allover the world.
The most famous musical masterpieces that Ciprian Porumbescu left behind are, “Ballad for violin and orchestra”, “Union is written on our flag” and the former national anthem of Romania, “Three colors”. At the same time, the musician composed the waltzes, The Fairy of the Danube and the Camels, Serenade, Heart of a Romanian and Ode to the Romanian Soldiers.
His entire musical creation falls within the scope of the romantic current, fully manifesting technical and expressive elements of this current. In his works, Porumbescu inserts patriotic themes, elements of expressiveness that define his style, of a special musicality, in which he displays a series of personal experiences, thoughts and ideas, which can only be heard in this way.
In 1883, Ciprian Porumbescu died in his father’s arms, his last wish being that his music should not be allowed to die.
Porumbescu 