The Structure of Spanish Zarzuela: Types and Components

Types of Zarzuela: Grande and Chica

The zarzuela in three or two acts is known as Zarzuela Grande. The one-act zarzuelas are called Zarzuela Chica, a name established after 1880 as Género Chico. The género bufo is a related form but is considered less important.

Zarzuela Grande

The model conforms to works like Jugar con fuego or El barberillo de Lavapiés and is defined by the following characteristics:

• It typically has three acts, though it can also have two and, rarely, four.
• Each act is preceded by a prelude.
• This prelude is followed by the entrance of a large choir, which starts almost every act.
• A three-act zarzuela is composed of 15 or 16 musical numbers, with 5 or 6 per act.
• These numbers are polysectional.
• There is a predominance of sung text over spoken dialogue.
• Spanish historical themes are common.

Zarzuela Chica (Género Chico)

The one-act plays would become the future Género Chico. Its elements are:

• A single act consisting of 4, 5, or 6 musical numbers.
• It begins with an orchestral introduction, accompanied by a non-choral, unisectional piece.
• There is a minor presence of choral numbers.
• The musical numbers are shorter than in the Zarzuela Grande, often using a strophic song form.
• The number of characters is often reduced, typically from 3 to 5.
• It features a popular character and popularizing elements in the music.
• There is limited use of the concertante.
• Vocal virtuosity is used restrictively.
• There is a prevalence of declaimed text over sung text, with popular themes and daily affairs.

Formal Elements of the Zarzuela

The zarzuela is performed with solo parts, a chorus, and instruments. It pivots on the aria, romanza, duets, trios, and the concertante.

The ensembles are the second key element of the zarzuela, used in two or three numbers of each act.

The third element, the choir, plays a far more prominent role than in 19th-century opera. It is the carrier of the most Hispanic and popular music.

The zarzuela almost always has small instrumental parts, especially the preludes to each act and usually an interlude. The prelude is short and has a strong Hispanic character.

Foundations of Zarzuela Music

The creation of melody, rhythm, and harmony in the 19th-century zarzuela is based on four different layers:

• Spanish historical music.
• The tonadilla.
• Popular dance.
• Popular and urban folklore.

Popular music and dance are of special interest. The use of dance is one of the most employed resources, and its presence in the zarzuela is continuous.