Composer

:

Arthur Bliss

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1944

First Performance

:

Oct 26, 1944

Average_duration

:

37:10

'Miracle in the Gorbals' is a ballet composed by Arthur Bliss in 1944. The plot of the ballet revolves around a young man who is killed in the Gorbals, a slum area in Glasgow, Scotland. The community is in despair, and a group of people gather around the body, mourning his death. Suddenly, a mysterious stranger appears and performs a miracle, bringing the young man back to life. The community is transformed, and the ballet ends with a sense of hope and renewal. The ballet premiered on June 22, 1944, at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London. It was choreographed by Robert Helpmann, with sets and costumes designed by Edward Burra. The music is characterized by its dramatic and emotional intensity, with a mix of orchestral and choral elements. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Street," sets the scene in the Gorbals, with a bustling and chaotic atmosphere. The music is dissonant and tense, reflecting the poverty and desperation of the community. The second movement, "The Stranger," introduces the mysterious figure who performs the miracle. The music is more lyrical and mystical, with a sense of otherworldliness. The final movement, "The Miracle," is the climax of the ballet, with the young man being brought back to life. The music is triumphant and joyful, with a sense of redemption and renewal. Overall, 'Miracle in the Gorbals' is a powerful and moving ballet that explores themes of death, resurrection, and community. The music is a key element of the ballet, with its emotional intensity and dramatic contrasts. The ballet has been performed around the world and remains a classic of the ballet repertoire.

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