Composer

:

Stephen Hartke

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1988

Average_duration

:

19:51

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

"The King of the Sun" is a contemporary opera composed by Stephen Hartke. It premiered on March 15, 2019, at the University of Texas at Austin. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of movements. Act I, "The King's Dream," begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the story. The King of the Sun, a powerful ruler, has a dream that he interprets as a sign that he must find a new queen. He sends his emissary, the Sun Priest, to search for the perfect woman. The Sun Priest travels to different lands, encountering various women, but none are deemed suitable by the King. The act ends with the Sun Priest returning to the King empty-handed. Act II, "The Queen's Journey," follows the journey of the chosen queen, a young woman named Isabella, as she travels to the kingdom of the Sun. Along the way, she encounters challenges and obstacles, including a group of bandits who attempt to rob her. She is eventually rescued by a group of travelers who help her continue on her journey. The act ends with Isabella arriving at the kingdom of the Sun. Act III, "The King's Wedding," centers around the wedding of the King and Isabella. The wedding ceremony is interrupted by the Sun Priest, who reveals that Isabella is not who she appears to be. She is actually a witch who has cast a spell on the King. The Sun Priest attempts to break the spell, but is ultimately unsuccessful. The act ends with the King and Isabella ruling together, but with the knowledge that their love is not genuine. The music of "The King of the Sun" is characterized by its use of traditional operatic techniques, such as recitative and aria, as well as contemporary elements, such as electronic music and sound effects. The score also features a variety of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The libretto, written by Philip Littell, is based on a play by Carlo Gozzi and features elements of fantasy and magic. Overall, "The King of the Sun" is a unique and engaging opera that blends traditional and contemporary elements to create a compelling story and score. Its premiere in 2019 was well-received by audiences and critics alike, cementing Hartke's reputation as one of the most innovative composers of his generation.

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