Composer

:

Anthony Davis

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

138:46

Movement_count

:

28

Movement ....

"X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X" is an opera composed by Anthony Davis, with a libretto by Thulani Davis. The opera premiered on June 15, 1986, at the American Music Theater Festival in Philadelphia. The opera tells the story of Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights leader in the 1960s. The plot follows Malcolm X's life from his childhood in Michigan, through his time in prison, his conversion to Islam, and his rise to prominence as a leader in the Nation of Islam. The opera also explores Malcolm X's relationships with his family, his fellow activists, and his eventual assassination in 1965. The music of "X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X" is a blend of classical, jazz, and African-American musical styles. The opera features a large cast of singers, including a chorus, and a full orchestra. The score includes a variety of musical movements, including arias, duets, and ensemble pieces. One of the key characteristics of "X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X" is its use of spoken word and rap. The libretto includes a number of spoken word passages, which are often accompanied by percussion and other instruments. The use of rap in the opera was groundbreaking at the time, and helped to establish "X" as a landmark work in the development of contemporary opera. Overall, "X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X" is a powerful and moving work that explores the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in American history. Its blend of musical styles and innovative use of spoken word and rap make it a unique and groundbreaking work in the world of opera.

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