Zarzuela
Zarzuela is a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, the latter incorporating operatic and popular song, as well as dance. The etymology of the name is uncertain, but some propose it may derive from the name of a Royal hunting lodge, the
Palacio de la Zarzuela near Madrid, where, allegedly, this type of entertainment was first presented to the court. The palace was named after the place called "La Zarzuela" because of the profusion of brambles that grew there, and so the festivities held within the walls became known as "Zarzuelas". There are two main forms of
zarzuela: Baroque
zarzuela, the earliest style, and Romantic
zarzuela, which can be further divided into two. Main sub-genres are
género grande and
género chico, although other sub-divisions exist.
Zarzuela spread to the Spanish colonies, and many Hispanic countries – notably Cuba – developed their own traditions. There is also a strong tradition in the Philippines where it is also known as
sarswela/sarsuela.