La leyenda del beso - Festival de música española y zarzuela

The Festival of Spanish Music and Zarzuela presents "La Leyenda del Beso" by Soutullo and Vert at the Hotel Santa Catalina in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This zarzuela in two acts, divided into three scenes, features a libretto by Enrique Reoyo, José Silva Aramburu, and Antonio Paso, with music composed by the maestros Reveriano Soutullo and Juan Vert. Premiered successfully at the Teatro Apolo in Madrid on January 18, 1924, it is recognized as the work that brought fame to Soutullo and Vert. The libretto combines elements of zarzuela and operetta with melodramatic and exotic touches, while the music, known for its high quality and lyrical depth, stands out for its profound treatment of voices and orchestral richness—qualities seldom seen in zarzuela until the arrival of composers like Sorozábal, Guridi, and Usandizaga, who required excellent singers and musicians for their performances.