Composer

:

Aaron Copland

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1952 - 1954

Average_duration

:

107:17

The Tender Land is an opera composed by Aaron Copland, with a libretto by Horace Everett. The opera was composed in 1952 and premiered on April 1, 1954, at the New York City Opera. The opera is set in the Midwest during the Great Depression and tells the story of a young girl named Laurie Moss, who is about to graduate from high school. She dreams of leaving her small town and exploring the world beyond, but her plans are disrupted when two drifters arrive at her family's farm. The opera is divided into three acts and features a variety of musical styles, including folk songs, hymns, and dance music. The first act introduces the characters and sets the scene for the story. Laurie's family is struggling to make ends meet, and they are preparing for the harvest. Laurie is excited about her upcoming graduation and her plans to leave the farm, but her mother and grandfather are worried about her future. In the second act, the two drifters, Martin and Top, arrive at the farm and offer to help with the harvest. They are welcomed by the family, but their presence creates tension and suspicion in the community. Laurie is drawn to Martin, and they share a duet in which they express their mutual longing for adventure and freedom. The third act is the most dramatic, as the community gathers for a party to celebrate the harvest. Martin and Top are accused of being criminals, and the party turns into a mob scene. Laurie and Martin decide to leave together, but they are caught by the angry mob. In the end, Laurie decides to stay on the farm and help her family, while Martin and Top are forced to leave. The Tender Land is known for its lyrical melodies, simple harmonies, and use of folk music. The opera is often compared to Copland's other works, such as Appalachian Spring and Billy the Kid, for its use of American themes and musical styles. The opera was not a commercial success when it premiered, but it has since become a beloved work in the American operatic repertoire.

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