Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1966

Average_duration

:

116:17

Movement_count

:

32

Movement ....

Antony and Cleopatra is an opera in three acts composed by Samuel Barber. The libretto was written by Franco Zeffirelli, based on the play of the same name by William Shakespeare. The opera was composed between 1959 and 1966, and premiered on September 16, 1966, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The opera tells the story of the love affair between the Roman general Mark Antony and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, and their eventual downfall. The first act takes place in Alexandria, where Cleopatra seduces Antony and convinces him to stay with her instead of returning to Rome. The second act takes place in Rome, where Antony is forced to marry Octavia, the sister of his fellow triumvir Octavius Caesar. The third act takes place in Egypt, where Antony and Cleopatra are defeated by Octavius Caesar in a naval battle, and ultimately commit suicide. The music of Antony and Cleopatra is characterized by its lush orchestration and lyrical melodies. Barber's use of leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes, helps to unify the opera and highlight the emotional journey of the characters. The opera also features a number of set pieces, including a grand procession in Act II and a battle scene in Act III. Antony and Cleopatra is divided into three movements, each corresponding to one of the acts. The first movement is marked by its exoticism and sensuality, with lush melodies and colorful orchestration. The second movement is more restrained and introspective, reflecting the political intrigue and personal conflicts of the characters. The third movement is marked by its dramatic intensity, with powerful choral and orchestral passages underscoring the tragic events of the final act. Overall, Antony and Cleopatra is a powerful and emotionally charged opera that explores themes of love, power, and betrayal. Barber's music is both beautiful and dramatic, capturing the grandeur and tragedy of Shakespeare's original play. The opera remains a popular work in the repertoire, and continues to be performed by opera companies around the world.

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