Composer

:

Philip Glass / Foday Musa Suso

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1989

"The Screens" is a collaborative work of Philip Glass and Foday Musa Suso, premiered in 1989. It is a multimedia opera that combines music, dance, and theater to tell the story of the Algerian War of Independence. The opera is divided into four movements, each representing a different aspect of the conflict. The first movement, "The French Lieutenant," introduces the audience to the French colonial presence in Algeria and the tensions that arise between the French and the Algerian people. The music is characterized by repetitive patterns and pulsing rhythms, which create a sense of urgency and tension. The second movement, "The Algerian Woman," focuses on the experiences of Algerian women during the war. The music is more lyrical and melodic, reflecting the emotional depth of the subject matter. The third movement, "The Martyrs," is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflict. The music is mournful and reflective, with a sense of solemnity and reverence. The final movement, "The Screens," brings together all the themes and characters of the opera in a climactic finale. The music is energetic and celebratory, reflecting the triumph of the Algerian people over their oppressors. Overall, "The Screens" is a powerful and moving work that combines different art forms to tell a complex and important story. The music is characterized by Glass's signature minimalism, with repetitive patterns and pulsing rhythms that create a sense of urgency and tension. Suso's contributions add a unique African flavor to the music, with the use of traditional instruments and rhythms. The opera is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of art to address important social and political issues.

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