Dolidze Keto da Kote

 Day 198

Dolidze Keto da Kote

This 1919 opera is the foundation of the operatic tradition in Georgia. It is very much based in the folk tradition though it does have some more conventional operatic moments harking back to the style of the 1830s and 1840s. It is colourful throughout with lots of dances and lively choruses. It reminded me of the sort of operatic scene one might imagine in a film from the 1940s or 1950s playing in the background of a drama - colourful, melodic and not too demanding. I imagine that a suite of dances from the score would go down well at an open air concert of light music.

This is a hardly a contender for the list of forgotten operatic masterpieces but on its own terms it works well and I enjoyed listening to it - I must confess at times I was listening with half an ear - this is not a piece which demands full concentration. The opera holds an important place in the hearts of the Georgian people and seems still to be performed there frequently. I can’t imagine any other opera company taking it on - it is so much a product of its time and place.