Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1955 - 1956

First Performance

:

1956

Average_duration

:

52:20

Candide is an operetta composed by Leonard Bernstein with a libretto by Lillian Hellman. The original version of the opera premiered on December 1, 1956, at the Martin Beck Theatre in New York City. The plot is based on Voltaire's novella of the same name and follows the adventures of the titular character, Candide, as he travels the world in search of his true love, Cunegonde. The opera is divided into two acts and features a total of 18 musical numbers. The first act introduces the audience to Candide and his love interest, Cunegonde, as well as their mentor, Dr. Pangloss. The trio is forced to flee their home after being accused of heresy and embark on a series of misadventures that take them to various locations around the world, including Lisbon, Paris, and South America. Throughout their travels, Candide and his companions encounter a variety of characters, each with their own unique perspective on life. These encounters challenge Candide's optimistic worldview and force him to confront the harsh realities of the world around him. The second act sees Candide reunited with Cunegonde, who has undergone a series of hardships since they last saw each other. The couple is eventually reunited with Dr. Pangloss, who has survived a hanging and subsequent resurrection. The opera concludes with a final musical number that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Candide was composed by Bernstein in 1956 and premiered on Broadway later that same year. The opera was met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising its music and performances while others criticized its libretto and pacing. Despite its initial reception, Candide has since become a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire. The opera has been revised and updated numerous times over the years, with new versions featuring additional musical numbers and changes to the libretto. Overall, Candide is a lively and entertaining operetta that explores themes of love, optimism, and the human condition. Its memorable musical numbers and colorful characters have made it a favorite of audiences around the world.

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