Composer

:

Sergey Prokofiev

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1919 - 1923

Average_duration

:

117:50

Sergey Prokofiev's opera 'The Fiery Angel' is a dark and intense work that explores themes of obsession, madness, and the supernatural. The opera was composed between 1919 and 1927, with the libretto based on the novel of the same name by Valery Bryusov. The plot of 'The Fiery Angel' centers around the character of Renata, a young woman who becomes obsessed with a mysterious figure known as the Fiery Angel. Renata believes that the Angel is her true love, and she becomes increasingly unhinged as she tries to find him. Along the way, she encounters a series of other characters, including a sorcerer, a monk, and a group of demons. The opera is divided into five movements, each of which explores a different aspect of Renata's journey. The first movement introduces Renata and her obsession with the Fiery Angel, while the second movement sees her encounter the sorcerer who promises to help her find him. In the third movement, Renata joins a convent in an attempt to escape her obsession, but she is haunted by visions of the Angel and eventually flees. The fourth movement sees Renata reunited with the sorcerer, who takes her to a monastery where she believes the Angel is being held captive. However, she discovers that the Angel is actually a demon, and she is driven to madness as a result. The final movement sees Renata locked up in a mental institution, where she continues to believe that the Angel is real. 'The Fiery Angel' premiered in Paris in 1954, more than 20 years after it was completed. The opera was not well-received at the time, with many critics finding it too dark and disturbing. However, it has since become recognized as one of Prokofiev's most important works, and it is now considered a masterpiece of 20th-century opera. One of the key characteristics of 'The Fiery Angel' is its use of dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms. Prokofiev was known for his avant-garde approach to composition, and this opera is no exception. The music is often unsettling and eerie, reflecting the dark themes of the story. Overall, 'The Fiery Angel' is a powerful and haunting work that explores the depths of human obsession and madness. Despite its challenging subject matter, it remains a landmark of 20th-century opera and a testament to Prokofiev's innovative approach to composition.

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