Composer

:

Hugo Weisgall

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1967

Average_duration

:

22:06

Hugo Weisgall's opera 'The Golden Peacock' was composed in 1975 and premiered on May 1, 1976, at the New York City Opera. The opera is divided into three acts and is based on a play by Karel Capek. The libretto was written by J.D. McClatchy. The first act of the opera is set in a small town in Czechoslovakia in the early 20th century. The main character, a young man named Janek, is in love with a girl named Marie. However, Marie is engaged to a wealthy man named Zemanek. Janek is determined to win Marie's heart and decides to enter a singing competition in which the winner will receive a golden peacock. The second act takes place at the singing competition, where Janek competes against other singers. He sings a beautiful aria, but is ultimately defeated by a rival singer named Kostelnicka. Janek is devastated, but Marie tells him that she loves him regardless of whether he wins the competition or not. In the third act, Janek and Marie are married, but their happiness is short-lived. Zemanek, who is jealous of Janek, accuses him of stealing the golden peacock. Janek is arrested and put on trial, but is ultimately acquitted when it is revealed that Kostelnicka was the one who stole the peacock. The music of 'The Golden Peacock' is characterized by its use of Czech folk melodies and rhythms. Weisgall's score is also notable for its use of dissonance and complex harmonies. The opera's themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal are explored through the music, which ranges from tender love duets to dramatic choral passages. Overall, 'The Golden Peacock' is a powerful and moving opera that showcases Weisgall's skill as a composer. Its premiere was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it remains a beloved work in the operatic repertoire.

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