Composer

:

Carlisle Floyd

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1953 - 1954

Publication Date

:

Feb 24, 1955

Average_duration

:

93:50

'Susannah' is an American opera composed by Carlisle Floyd in 1955. The plot is set in rural Tennessee in the 1950s and revolves around the character of Susannah Polk, a young woman who is falsely accused of immorality by the members of her community. The opera explores themes of prejudice, hypocrisy, and the destructive power of gossip. The opera premiered on February 24, 1955, at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. It was an immediate success and has since become one of the most frequently performed American operas. The opera is composed of two acts and is sung in English. The first act introduces the character of Susannah, who is a beautiful and innocent young woman living in a small rural community. She is accused of bathing naked in a nearby stream by the members of her community, who are scandalized by her behavior. The accusations are fueled by the town's new preacher, Olin Blitch, who is attracted to Susannah but is also conflicted by his own desires and his religious beliefs. In the second act, Susannah is shunned by the members of her community and is forced to confront the hypocrisy and prejudice that surrounds her. She is eventually exonerated when it is revealed that the accusations against her were false, but the damage has already been done. The opera ends with Susannah alone and isolated, reflecting on the events that have transpired. The music of 'Susannah' is characterized by its use of American folk melodies and its incorporation of elements of Appalachian music. The opera also features a number of powerful arias and duets, including Susannah's haunting solo "Ain't it a pretty night" and the duet between Susannah and Olin Blitch, "The trees on the mountains." Overall, 'Susannah' is a powerful and moving opera that explores important themes of prejudice, hypocrisy, and the destructive power of gossip. Its use of American folk melodies and its incorporation of elements of Appalachian music make it a uniquely American work that has become a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire.

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