Oceàna (opera)

Oceàna is an opera in four acts composed by Antoni Vila i Casañas to a libretto by Angel Guimerà. It premiered on October 5, 1921, at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona.

The opera tells a story set in a fishing village where two fishermen, Pere and Blai, are rivals for the love of Oceàna. The plot involves themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive power of unrequited love. Oceàna is portrayed as a free-spirited and somewhat capricious woman, caught between the passions of the two men. Tragedy ensues as the rivalry escalates.

Musically, Oceàna is characterized by its lyrical style and dramatic orchestration, reflecting the influence of both Italian verismo and the composer's Catalan heritage. The score features prominent roles for the soloists, particularly Oceàna herself, and makes use of choral passages to depict the life and atmosphere of the fishing village. While not as widely performed as some of Guimerà's other works adapted for the stage (such as Terra Baixa), Oceàna holds a place in the repertoire of Catalan opera. Recordings of excerpts and occasional revivals help to keep the work alive.