Cardoso en Gulevandia
Les Luthiers
A Satirical Opera: The Absurdity of 'Cardoso en Gulevandia'
Les Luthiers, an Argentine comedy-musical group known for their satirical and humorous performances, present 'Cardoso en Gulevandia,' a parody of classical opera. The song is a comedic narrative that mocks the grandiosity and often incomprehensible nature of traditional operas. The lyrics are filled with playful language, absurd situations, and exaggerated characters, all of which contribute to the humor and satire of the piece.
The story unfolds in the fictional kingdom of Gulevandia, where Princess Creolina and Prince Cardoso of Spain meet and fall in love. The language used in the opera, 'gulevache,' is a nonsensical mix of Spanish and invented words, adding to the comedic effect. The characters' interactions are filled with misunderstandings and humorous exchanges, such as the confusion over their names and the exaggerated declarations of love. The opera pokes fun at the often convoluted and dramatic plots of traditional operas, highlighting the absurdity of the situations and the characters' reactions.
The climax of the opera occurs when Creolina reveals her face to Cardoso, who is horrified by her appearance. This moment is a parody of the dramatic reveals and misunderstandings common in operatic plots. The exaggerated reactions of the characters and the absurdity of the situation underscore the satirical nature of the piece. The opera concludes with the court's outrage and calls for Cardoso's punishment, further emphasizing the ridiculousness of the entire scenario. Through 'Cardoso en Gulevandia,' Les Luthiers cleverly use humor and satire to critique and entertain, making a statement about the often over-the-top nature of classical opera.