Composer

:

Marc Blitzstein

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1946 - 1948

Regina is an opera composed by Marc Blitzstein, with a libretto by the composer himself, based on Lillian Hellman's play The Little Foxes. The opera was composed in 1946 and premiered on October 31, 1949, at the 46th Street Theatre in New York City. The plot of Regina revolves around the Hubbard family, a wealthy and ruthless clan living in the American South during the early 20th century. The family is led by Regina, a cunning and ambitious woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Regina's brothers, Ben and Oscar, are equally ruthless and conniving, and they are constantly scheming to increase their wealth and power. The first act of the opera introduces the Hubbard family and their various schemes. Regina is determined to build a cotton mill in the town, but she needs money to do so. She turns to her brothers for help, but they demand a share of the profits in return. Regina agrees, but she secretly plans to double-cross them and keep all the profits for herself. In the second act, Regina's plan begins to unravel. Her daughter, Alexandra, discovers her mother's treachery and confronts her. Regina tries to justify her actions, but Alexandra is disgusted and decides to leave home. Meanwhile, Oscar's wife, Birdie, reveals that she has been abused by her husband for years. Regina uses this information to blackmail Oscar into giving her a larger share of the profits from the cotton mill. The final act of the opera sees the downfall of the Hubbard family. Ben dies of a heart attack, and Oscar is arrested for embezzlement. Regina is left alone, with no one to turn to. She realizes that her greed and ambition have destroyed her family and her own happiness. The music of Regina is characterized by its use of jazz and blues elements, as well as its complex harmonies and dissonant chords. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which corresponds to one act of the play. The first movement is marked by its lively and energetic rhythms, while the second movement is more introspective and melancholy. The final movement is the most dramatic, with powerful and emotional music that reflects the downfall of the Hubbard family. Overall, Regina is a powerful and thought-provoking opera that explores themes of greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power. Its music is both innovative and accessible, making it a landmark work in American opera.

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