Composer

:

Lennox Berkeley

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1954

First Performance

:

Jun 17, 1954

Average_duration

:

59:26

Movement_count

:

19

Movement ....

'A Dinner Engagement' is a one-act comic opera composed by Lennox Berkeley with a libretto by Paul Dehn. The opera was composed in 1953 and premiered on June 17, 1954, at the Royal Opera House in London. The plot of the opera revolves around a wealthy couple, Lord and Lady Dunmow, who are hosting a dinner party for their daughter's engagement. However, their plans are disrupted when they discover that their cook has quit and their new cook, a Frenchman named Monsieur Boniface, is unable to prepare the meal due to his lack of knowledge of English cuisine. The couple is forced to improvise and serve a meal of canned food, which leads to a series of comical mishaps and misunderstandings. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and tempo. The first movement is marked by a lively and upbeat tempo, reflecting the excitement and anticipation of the dinner party. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, reflecting the couple's frustration and anxiety as they struggle to prepare the meal. The final movement is marked by a faster tempo and a sense of resolution, as the couple and their guests come to accept the unconventional meal and enjoy each other's company. The opera is known for its witty and humorous libretto, which pokes fun at the conventions of British society and the pretensions of the upper class. The music is characterized by a light and playful tone, with elements of jazz and popular music woven into the classical score. Overall, 'A Dinner Engagement' is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Lennox Berkeley's skill as a composer and Paul Dehn's talent as a librettist. Its premiere at the Royal Opera House was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a beloved classic of the British operatic repertoire.

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