Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1949

Average_duration

:

43:55

Movement_count

:

16

Movement ....

The Little Sweep is an opera composed by Benjamin Britten in 1949. The plot revolves around a young chimney sweep named Sam, who is sold by his cruel master to a wealthy family as a gift for their son's birthday. Sam is initially mistreated by the family, but he eventually wins their affection and helps them to see the error of their ways. The opera is divided into three movements. The first movement introduces the characters and sets the stage for the story. The second movement takes place on the day of the birthday party, where Sam is given as a gift to the family. The third movement sees Sam helping the family to see the error of their ways and ultimately being reunited with his own family. The Little Sweep is known for its use of children's voices, which are used to represent the voices of the chimney sweeps. The opera also features a number of traditional English folk songs, which are woven into the score. The opera premiered on June 14, 1950, at the Aldeburgh Festival in Suffolk, England. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and has since become a popular work in the operatic repertoire. One of the key characteristics of The Little Sweep is its use of humor and satire to comment on social issues. The opera is a commentary on the mistreatment of children and the exploitation of the working class, and it uses humor and satire to highlight these issues in a way that is accessible to audiences of all ages. Overall, The Little Sweep is a charming and engaging opera that combines humor, satire, and traditional English folk music to tell a story that is both entertaining and socially relevant.

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