Composer

:

Lou Harrison

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1970 - 1987

First Performance

:

Nov 5, 1971

"Young Caesar" is an opera composed by Lou Harrison in 1971. The plot of the opera is based on the life of Julius Caesar, the Roman general and statesman who played a pivotal role in the rise of the Roman Empire. The opera is divided into three acts, each of which focuses on a different period in Caesar's life. The first act takes place in 63 BC, when Caesar is a young man and a rising star in Roman politics. He is torn between his loyalty to the Roman Republic and his desire for power and glory. The second act takes place in 49 BC, when Caesar has become a powerful general and is about to cross the Rubicon River to start a civil war against the Roman Senate. The third act takes place in 44 BC, after Caesar has been assassinated by his own senators. The opera premiered on May 13, 1971, at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. It was directed by John Houseman and conducted by Robert Hughes. The opera was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it has since become one of Harrison's most popular works. "Young Caesar" is characterized by its use of non-Western musical elements, such as gamelan music from Indonesia and traditional Chinese music. Harrison was known for his interest in world music, and he incorporated these influences into his compositions. The opera also features a large ensemble of percussion instruments, including marimbas, xylophones, and gongs. The movements of the opera are divided into three acts, each of which contains several scenes. The first act includes scenes such as "The Forum," "The Senate," and "The Triumph." The second act includes scenes such as "The Crossing," "The Battle," and "The Triumphal Entry." The third act includes scenes such as "The Funeral," "The Will," and "The Assassination." Overall, "Young Caesar" is a powerful and innovative opera that explores the life and legacy of one of history's most famous figures. Its use of non-Western musical elements and percussion instruments sets it apart from other operas of its time, and its themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal continue to resonate with audiences today.

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