Composer

:

Thomas Arne

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1738

Publication Date

:

1740

First Performance

:

Mar 4, 1738

Comus is an opera composed by Thomas Arne in 1738. The plot of the opera is based on John Milton's masque, also called Comus. The story revolves around a young woman named The Lady who becomes lost in the woods and is captured by the evil sorcerer Comus. Comus tries to seduce The Lady with his magic, but she resists his advances. The Lady's brothers, who are searching for her, eventually find her and rescue her from Comus's clutches. The opera premiered on March 4, 1738, at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, London. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it quickly became one of Arne's most popular works. The opera was performed regularly throughout the 18th century, and it was also adapted for the stage in various forms. Comus is composed of three acts, each with its own set of musical movements. The first act features a prologue, followed by a series of arias, recitatives, and duets. The second act includes a masque, which is a type of musical entertainment that was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. The masque features a series of dances, songs, and instrumental pieces, all of which are designed to showcase the talents of the performers. The third act includes a series of arias, duets, and recitatives, as well as a final chorus. One of the characteristics of Comus is its use of English language and themes. Arne was one of the first composers to write operas in English, and he was known for his ability to set English words to music in a way that was both elegant and expressive. Another characteristic of Comus is its use of arias and recitatives to tell the story. Arne was a master of these musical forms, and he used them to great effect in Comus to convey the emotions and motivations of the characters. Overall, Comus is a masterpiece of English opera, and it remains a popular work to this day. Its combination of beautiful music, engaging story, and English language and themes make it a unique and important contribution to the history of opera.

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