Composer

:

William Bolcom

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1999

Average_duration

:

120:09

'A View From the Bridge' is an opera composed by William Bolcom with a libretto by Arnold Weinstein and Arthur Miller. The opera is based on Miller's play of the same name, which was first performed in 1955. Bolcom's opera was composed in 1999 and premiered at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in October of that year. The plot of 'A View From the Bridge' revolves around the character of Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman in Brooklyn who becomes obsessed with his niece, Catherine. Eddie's feelings for Catherine become increasingly possessive and destructive, leading to a tragic conclusion. The opera is divided into two acts, with a total of 14 scenes. The music is characterized by a blend of traditional operatic styles and American popular music, including jazz and blues. Bolcom's score also incorporates elements of Italian folk music, reflecting the play's setting in an Italian-American community. One of the key movements in the opera is the duet between Eddie and Catherine in Act I, Scene 4. The duet, titled "There is a Law," is a tense and emotional exchange between the two characters, as Eddie tries to convince Catherine that her relationship with Rodolpho, a young Italian immigrant, is inappropriate. Another notable movement is the ensemble piece in Act II, Scene 2, titled "The Telephone Song." The scene features a group of women from the community gossiping about the events unfolding in Eddie's household, adding to the sense of tension and drama. Overall, 'A View From the Bridge' is a powerful and emotionally charged opera that explores themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal. Bolcom's music captures the intensity of Miller's play, while also adding a unique and contemporary twist to the story.

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