Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

Aug 21, 1934 - Aug 1935

First Performance

:

Jan 4, 1937

The Eternal Road is an opera composed by Kurt Weill with a libretto by Franz Werfel. The opera was composed in 1934 and premiered on Broadway in 1937. The plot of the opera is based on the Jewish legend of the Wandering Jew, who is condemned to wander the earth until the Second Coming of Christ. The opera is divided into two acts, each with several movements. The first act takes place in a synagogue in a small Jewish village in medieval Germany. The villagers are preparing for the arrival of the Wandering Jew, who is said to be passing through their village on his way to Jerusalem. The villagers are excited to hear the stories of the Wandering Jew, who has lived for centuries and has witnessed many historical events. As the Wandering Jew arrives, he tells the villagers the story of Abraham and Isaac, and how God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son. The Wandering Jew then tells the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt, and how God led the Israelites to the Promised Land. In the second act, the Wandering Jew continues his journey to Jerusalem, accompanied by a young boy who is seeking his father. Along the way, they encounter various characters, including a group of Crusaders who are on their way to fight in the Holy Land. The Wandering Jew tells the Crusaders the story of Jesus and his crucifixion, and how the Jews were blamed for his death. The opera ends with the Wandering Jew arriving in Jerusalem, where he is greeted by a group of pilgrims who are waiting for the Second Coming of Christ. The Wandering Jew tells them that he will continue to wander the earth until the Second Coming, and that they should prepare themselves for the coming of the Messiah. The Eternal Road is characterized by its use of Jewish themes and motifs, as well as its incorporation of elements of traditional Jewish music. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and is considered to be one of Weill's most important works.

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