Composer

:

Philip Glass

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1980

Average_duration

:

123:05

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

Satyagraha is an opera composed by Philip Glass in 1979. The opera is based on the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian political leader who advocated for non-violent resistance against British colonial rule. The opera is sung in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, and is divided into three acts. The first act, "Tolstoy," focuses on Gandhi's early years in South Africa, where he developed his philosophy of non-violent resistance. The act is named after the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, who was a major influence on Gandhi's thinking. The music in this act is characterized by repetitive patterns and slow, meditative melodies. The second act, "Tagore," is named after the Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, who was a close friend and collaborator of Gandhi's. This act focuses on Gandhi's return to India and his efforts to mobilize the Indian people against British rule. The music in this act is more lively and rhythmic, reflecting the energy and excitement of the Indian independence movement. The third act, "King," is named after the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was inspired by Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance. This act focuses on Gandhi's later years and his struggle to maintain his principles in the face of opposition from both the British colonial authorities and some of his own followers. The music in this act is more complex and dissonant, reflecting the tension and conflict of this period in Gandhi's life. Satyagraha premiered at the Stadttheater in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on September 5, 1980. The opera has since been performed in many countries around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. The opera is known for its minimalist style, which emphasizes repetition and gradual variation of musical themes. The use of Sanskrit as the language of the opera also adds to its unique character and cultural significance. Overall, Satyagraha is a powerful and thought-provoking work that explores the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in modern history.

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