Composer

:

George Forrest / Robert Wright

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1953

Average_duration

:

56:44

Kismet is a musical that was composed by George Forrest and Robert Wright. The music is based on the works of Alexander Borodin, a Russian composer. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1953 and was an instant hit. It went on to win several Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The plot of Kismet is set in ancient Baghdad and revolves around the story of a poor poet named Hajj who is trying to make a living. He meets a beautiful princess named Lalume and falls in love with her. However, she is already married to the evil Wazir, who is plotting to overthrow the Caliph. Hajj becomes embroiled in the political intrigue and must use his wit and charm to save the Caliph and win Lalume's heart. The music of Kismet is composed of several movements, each of which is based on a different piece of music by Borodin. The most famous of these is "Stranger in Paradise," which is based on Borodin's "Polovtsian Dances." Other movements include "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads," "And This Is My Beloved," and "Not Since Nineveh." One of the characteristics of Kismet is its use of exotic themes and settings. The musical is set in ancient Baghdad and features characters such as the Caliph, the Wazir, and the Grand Vizier. The music also incorporates Middle Eastern and Russian influences, which gives it a unique sound. Kismet premiered on Broadway on December 3, 1953, and ran for over 500 performances. It was later adapted into a film in 1955, which starred Howard Keel and Ann Blyth. The musical has been revived several times over the years, including a production in 2014 at the Encores! series in New York City. Overall, Kismet is a classic musical that combines the music of Alexander Borodin with the talents of George Forrest and Robert Wright. Its exotic setting, memorable music, and engaging plot have made it a favorite of audiences for over 60 years.

More....