Composer

:

Douglas S. Moore

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1937 - 1938

Average_duration

:

55:01

The Devil and Daniel Webster is an opera composed by Douglas S. Moore, with a libretto by Stephen Vincent Benét and Marc Connelly. The opera is based on Benét's short story, "The Devil and Daniel Webster," which tells the story of a New Hampshire farmer named Jabez Stone who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for seven years of prosperity. When the devil comes to collect his due, Stone enlists the help of the famous lawyer Daniel Webster to defend him in a trial against the devil. The opera was composed in 1939 and premiered on March 18, 1940, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The opera is divided into two acts, with a prologue and epilogue. The prologue sets the scene in New Hampshire in the late 18th century, where Jabez Stone is struggling to make ends meet. The devil appears to him and offers him a deal, which Stone accepts. The first act takes place seven years later, when the devil comes to collect Stone's soul. Stone tries to back out of the deal, but the devil insists on taking him to hell. Stone then turns to Daniel Webster for help, and Webster agrees to defend him in a trial against the devil. The second act takes place in the courtroom of Judge Hathorne, where the trial is held. The devil argues that Stone is his property and must be taken to hell, while Webster argues that Stone's soul belongs to God and that the devil has no right to it. In the end, Webster wins the trial by appealing to the patriotism of the jury, who are all American heroes from history. The opera is characterized by its use of American folk music, including hymns, ballads, and spirituals. The music is often used to underscore the themes of the opera, such as the struggle between good and evil, the power of faith, and the importance of American values. The opera also features a large cast of characters, including historical figures such as George Washington, John Adams, and Benedict Arnold. Overall, The Devil and Daniel Webster is a powerful and moving opera that explores timeless themes of morality, justice, and the human condition. Its use of American folk music and historical figures makes it a uniquely American work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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