Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Musical Theater

First Performance

:

1973

Average_duration

:

105:09

Movement_count

:

23

Movement ....

Candide (Chelsea version) is an opera composed by Leonard Bernstein, with a libretto by Hugh Wheeler, based on the novella of the same name by Voltaire. The opera was first composed in 1956, but it was revised several times before the Chelsea version premiered in 1989. The plot of Candide follows the adventures of the titular character, a young man who is taught by his mentor, Dr. Pangloss, that this is the best of all possible worlds. However, Candide's experiences soon prove otherwise, as he is forced to confront the harsh realities of life, including war, poverty, and injustice. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Cunegonde, who is also searching for happiness in a world that seems determined to deny it to her. The Chelsea version of Candide features several movements, including the overture, "Life is Happiness Indeed," "The Best of All Possible Worlds," "Oh, Happy We," "It Must Be So," "Glitter and Be Gay," and "Make Our Garden Grow." Each movement showcases Bernstein's signature blend of classical and popular music styles, with influences ranging from opera to jazz to Broadway musicals. One of the defining characteristics of Candide is its satirical tone, which skewers the optimism and naivete of its characters while also critiquing the societal structures that perpetuate their suffering. The opera also features a number of comedic moments, including the absurdly exaggerated characterizations of Dr. Pangloss and the villainous Maximilian. The Chelsea version of Candide premiered on December 13, 1989, at the Chelsea Theater Center in Brooklyn, New York. The production was directed by Harold Prince and starred Mark Baker as Candide, Maureen Brennan as Cunegonde, and Lewis J. Stadlen as Dr. Pangloss. Despite mixed reviews, the opera has since become a beloved classic, with its catchy tunes and biting social commentary resonating with audiences around the world.

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