Composer

:

Frank Lewin

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1977 - Jan 1989

Average_duration

:

193:29

Burning Bright is an opera composed by Frank Lewin, with a libretto by Richard Franko Goldman. The opera was composed in 1968 and premiered on May 16, 1971, at the New York City Opera. The plot of Burning Bright revolves around the character of Blake, a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. Blake is haunted by the memory of his father, who died in a fire when Blake was a child. As the opera progresses, Blake becomes increasingly obsessed with fire, and begins to see it as a symbol of both destruction and rebirth. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of Blake's journey. The first movement, titled "The Fire Within," introduces us to Blake and his troubled past. The second movement, "The Fire Without," sees Blake becoming increasingly fixated on fire, and beginning to act out in dangerous ways. The final movement, "The Fire Within and Without," sees Blake confronting his demons and ultimately finding a sense of peace. One of the key characteristics of Burning Bright is its use of music to convey the emotional journey of the protagonist. Lewin's score is highly expressive, with soaring melodies and dramatic shifts in tone and tempo. The opera also features a number of innovative staging techniques, including the use of projections and lighting effects to create a sense of fire and chaos on stage. Overall, Burning Bright is a powerful and thought-provoking opera that explores themes of loss, trauma, and redemption. Its innovative score and staging make it a standout work in the canon of contemporary opera.

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