author
Luis Mariano de Larra
1830–1901
A Spanish man of letters from a famous literary family, he made his own mark in theater and especially in zarzuela. He is best remembered for the libretto of El barberillo de Lavapiés, one of the best-known works in the genre.
1 Audiobook
Si yo fuera rico! Novela original
by Luis Mariano de Larra
About the author
Born in Madrid in 1830, he was the son of the celebrated writer and journalist Mariano José de Larra. Rather than living only in his father's shadow, he built a literary career of his own as a playwright, novelist, journalist, and librettist.
His work was especially closely tied to the Spanish stage. He wrote numerous zarzuela librettos and comic theatrical pieces, and his most famous contribution is the text for El barberillo de Lavapiés, set to music by Francisco Asenjo Barbieri and premiered in 1874.
He also worked in public administration and in journalism, including writing for the Gaceta de Madrid. He died in Madrid in 1901, remembered as an active figure in 19th-century Spanish theatrical life.