Composer

:

Jack Beeson

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

"Dr. Heidegger's Fountain of Youth" is an opera composed by Jack Beeson, with a libretto by Sheldon Harnick. The opera is based on Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story of the same name. The plot revolves around Dr. Heidegger, an eccentric scientist who discovers a fountain of youth and invites four of his old friends to partake in its waters. As they drink from the fountain, they begin to relive their past mistakes and regrets, leading to a tragic ending. The opera was composed in 1978 and premiered on May 26, 1978, at the New York City Opera. It consists of two acts and is scored for a chamber orchestra. The music is characterized by Beeson's use of dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms, which create a sense of unease and tension throughout the opera. The first act begins with Dr. Heidegger introducing his friends to the fountain of youth. As they drink from it, they begin to relive their past mistakes and regrets. The second act sees the characters grappling with the consequences of their actions, leading to a tragic ending. The opera is divided into several movements, including an overture, a prologue, and several arias and duets. The music is characterized by its use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. The use of leitmotifs helps to create a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the opera. Overall, "Dr. Heidegger's Fountain of Youth" is a haunting and thought-provoking opera that explores themes of regret, mortality, and the human condition. Beeson's music and Harnick's libretto work together to create a powerful and emotionally charged experience for the audience.

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