Composer

:

Elliott Carter

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1939 - 1961

Average_duration

:

19:48

Pocahontas is an opera composed by Elliott Carter, with a libretto by William A. Chafe. The opera premiered on June 14, 1996, at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. The opera is divided into three acts, with a total running time of approximately two hours. The first act of the opera introduces the audience to the main characters, including Pocahontas, John Smith, and Powhatan. The music in this act is characterized by complex rhythms and dissonant harmonies, which reflect the tension between the Native Americans and the English settlers. The second act of the opera focuses on the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith. The music in this act is more lyrical and expressive, reflecting the emotional connection between the two characters. The third act of the opera deals with the aftermath of John Smith's departure from Virginia. The music in this act is more introspective and reflective, as the characters come to terms with the events that have transpired. Overall, Pocahontas is characterized by Carter's use of complex rhythms and dissonant harmonies, which reflect the tension and conflict between the Native Americans and the English settlers. The opera also features a wide range of vocal techniques, including sprechgesang and extended vocal techniques, which add to the dramatic intensity of the work.

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