Първи оперни изпълнения в Плевен през XIX век и тяхната рецепция
First Opera Performances in Pleven in the 19th Century and their Reception

Summary/Abstract: The proposed text is dedicated to prof. Rozalia Bix, D.S. – a scientist with an outstanding contribution to the development of the Bulgarian opera studies and knowledge. The paper focuses on the first opera performances and the first concert performances of opera fragments in Pleven, which took place in the last decade of the 19th century. The text presents some little-known events, publications and circumstances from the musical past of Pleven. The foundation of choirs in Pleven in the 19th century, the contribution of the Czech musician Alois Macák to the development of the local musical culture and the first performances of opera fragments in the city (some of which performances with the participation of Pleven citizens), are also outlined. Meaningful emphasis is placed on a review which dates back to 1897, published on the occasion of Enrico Massini’s Opera Troupe first performances in Pleven. The review helps to restore the exact date of the first complete opera performed in Pleven and proves that in 1897, Massini’s troupe preformed more than one opera in Pleven. The same review sheds light on the little-known facts about this troupe, which developed early interests in the art of opera among the Bulgarian society. The present study offers some conclusions and hypotheses on the performing crew of the troupe, about Massini’s contribution in it, etc. The text presents information regarding the instrumental ensemble of the troupe in 1897 as well as the distribution of roles of main characters in the first operas, performed by the troupe in Pleven. It also casts light on the approximate number of the traveling opera chorus singers, etc. The proposed text explores the public and critical reception of the first complete operas, performed in Pleven. The research paper is based on old printed editions, archives, historical and musicological studies, full scores, and other sources.

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