Composer

:

John Harbison

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1977

Average_duration

:

32:38

"Full Moon in March" is an opera composed by John Harbison, which premiered on March 16, 1981, at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The opera is based on the play "The Shoemaker's Holiday" by Thomas Dekker, which was written in 1599. The plot of the opera revolves around the character of Simon Eyre, a shoemaker who rises to become the Lord Mayor of London. The story is set in the 16th century and explores themes of social mobility, love, and class struggle. The opera is divided into three acts, each of which is further divided into several scenes. The first act introduces the character of Simon Eyre and his wife, Margery. Simon is a skilled shoemaker who dreams of becoming a wealthy merchant. He is given the opportunity to achieve his dream when he is hired to make shoes for the wealthy Lord Mayor of London. Simon's success attracts the attention of the city's elite, including the Duke of Norfolk, who invites him to a banquet. In the second act, Simon's rise to power is threatened by the jealous Earl of Lincoln, who plots to have him arrested. Meanwhile, Simon's daughter, Rose, falls in love with the Earl's son, Ralph. The two lovers are forced to keep their relationship a secret, as their families are bitter enemies. The final act sees Simon's fortunes take a turn for the worse when he is arrested and imprisoned. However, he is eventually released and reinstated as Lord Mayor. The opera ends with a celebration of Simon's success and the union of Rose and Ralph. "Full Moon in March" is characterized by its use of a variety of musical styles, including Renaissance dance music, folk songs, and contemporary classical music. The opera also features a large cast of characters, including singers, dancers, and actors. The use of multiple art forms creates a rich and complex theatrical experience that engages the audience on multiple levels. Overall, "Full Moon in March" is a compelling and entertaining opera that explores timeless themes of love, power, and social class. Its premiere in 1981 was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a beloved classic of the American opera repertoire.

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