Victor Herbert
Hearts of Erin
Works Info
Composer:Victor HerbertGenre:OperaStyle:OperettaCompose Date:1917First Performance:1917Average_duration:105:39"Hearts of Erin" is an opera composed by Victor Herbert, an Irish-American composer, in 1902. The opera tells the story of a young Irish girl named Kathleen, who falls in love with an English soldier named Captain Robert Forrester. The story takes place during the 1798 Irish Rebellion, a time of great political unrest in Ireland. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct movement. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the conflict between the Irish rebels and the English soldiers. Kathleen and Captain Forrester meet and fall in love, despite the political tensions between their respective countries. The second act is the most dramatic, as the rebellion reaches its climax. The Irish rebels, led by Kathleen's brother, rise up against the English soldiers, and a fierce battle ensues. Captain Forrester is torn between his duty to his country and his love for Kathleen, and ultimately decides to side with the Irish rebels. The third act is the resolution, as the rebellion is quashed and the characters must come to terms with the aftermath. Kathleen and Captain Forrester are forced to part ways, as their love is impossible in the political climate of the time. "Hearts of Erin" premiered on Broadway in 1902, and was a critical and commercial success. The opera was praised for its lush orchestration and memorable melodies, as well as its portrayal of the political tensions between Ireland and England. One of the most notable characteristics of "Hearts of Erin" is its use of traditional Irish music and themes. Herbert, who was of Irish descent, incorporated elements of Irish folk music into the opera, giving it a distinctly Irish flavor. The opera also features a number of rousing choruses, which were popular with audiences at the time. Overall, "Hearts of Erin" is a stirring and romantic opera that captures the spirit of Ireland during a tumultuous time in its history. Its memorable melodies and lush orchestration have ensured its enduring popularity among opera lovers and fans of Irish music alike.More....
