Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1947

Average_duration

:

138:54

Albert Herring is an opera composed by Benjamin Britten in 1947. The plot revolves around the character of Albert Herring, a shy and innocent young man who is chosen as the May King of a small English village. The opera is set in the early 20th century and explores themes of social class, morality, and sexuality. The opera premiered on June 20, 1947, at Glyndebourne Festival Opera in England. It was conducted by the composer himself and directed by Eric Crozier. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike and has since become a staple of the operatic repertoire. The opera is divided into three acts and is scored for a small orchestra. The music is characterized by Britten's signature use of dissonance and complex harmonies. The vocal writing is also notable for its use of recitative and aria-like passages. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the plot. We meet the members of the village committee who are tasked with choosing the May King. They are frustrated by the lack of suitable candidates and eventually settle on Albert Herring, a local shopkeeper's son who is known for his innocence and lack of experience with women. In the second act, Albert is crowned May King and is given a large sum of money to spend on his coronation festivities. He becomes increasingly intoxicated and begins to explore his newfound freedom. He spends the night with a local girl, Nancy, and is caught by the village committee. They are scandalized by his behavior and strip him of his title. The final act sees Albert return to his old life, but he is no longer the same person. He has experienced a taste of freedom and is no longer content to live a life of conformity. The opera ends with Albert singing a poignant aria about the fleeting nature of happiness. Overall, Albert Herring is a powerful exploration of human nature and the struggle for individuality in a conformist society. Its themes are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences today.

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