Composer

:

George Benjamin

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

8:40

'Flight' is a contemporary opera composed by George Benjamin, with a libretto by Martin Crimp. The opera premiered on June 17, 1998, at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in England. The opera is divided into three acts and has a running time of approximately two hours. The first act of 'Flight' is titled "The Airport." It introduces the audience to a group of travelers who are stranded at an airport due to a storm. The characters include a refugee couple, a businessman, a stewardess, an older couple, and a diplomat. The music in this act is characterized by a sense of chaos and confusion, with overlapping vocal lines and dissonant harmonies. The second act, titled "The Hotel," takes place in a nearby hotel where the travelers have been relocated. The music in this act is more introspective and reflective, with moments of tenderness and intimacy between the characters. The refugee couple, in particular, is given a poignant duet that highlights their struggles and fears. The final act, titled "The Sky," takes place on a plane that is carrying the characters to their final destinations. The music in this act is more expansive and soaring, with lush orchestration and soaring vocal lines. The characters are forced to confront their fears and anxieties as they face the uncertainty of their futures. Overall, 'Flight' is a powerful and emotionally charged opera that explores themes of displacement, identity, and human connection. The music is characterized by Benjamin's signature blend of modernist and romantic styles, with intricate vocal writing and rich orchestration. The opera has been widely praised for its innovative staging and powerful performances, cementing Benjamin's reputation as one of the leading composers of his generation.

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