Composer

:

Victor Herbert

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1913

First Performance

:

1913

Average_duration

:

114:38

Movement_count

:

36

Movement ....

Sweethearts is an operetta composed by Victor Herbert, with a libretto by Harry B. Smith. The operetta premiered on September 8, 1913, at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. The plot revolves around the love story of two vaudeville performers, Gwen and Ernest, who are also secretly married. They are forced to keep their marriage a secret due to their manager's strict policy against married performers. However, their secret is eventually revealed, and they are forced to choose between their careers and their love for each other. The operetta is divided into two acts, with a total of 17 musical numbers. The first act introduces the main characters and their situation, as well as the supporting characters, including the manager, the leading lady, and the leading man. The second act focuses on the resolution of the conflict and the happy ending for the two lovers. The music of Sweethearts is characterized by its catchy melodies, lush harmonies, and intricate orchestration. Herbert's use of leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes, adds depth and coherence to the score. The operetta also features a variety of musical styles, including waltzes, marches, and ballads, as well as comedic and dramatic songs. Sweethearts was a commercial and critical success, running for 136 performances on Broadway and spawning numerous productions and adaptations. Its popularity was due in part to its relatable and romantic storyline, as well as its memorable music. The operetta also reflected the cultural and social changes of the early 20th century, as vaudeville and musical theater became increasingly popular forms of entertainment. Overall, Sweethearts remains a beloved and enduring work of American musical theater, showcasing the talents of Victor Herbert and Harry B. Smith and capturing the spirit of a bygone era.

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