Composer

:

Ricky Ian Gordon

Genre

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

01:19:24

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

A Coffin in Egypt is an opera composed by Ricky Ian Gordon, with a libretto by Leonard Foglia, based on the play of the same name by Horton Foote. The opera was composed in 2014 and premiered on March 14, 2014, at the Houston Grand Opera. The plot of the opera revolves around Myrtle Bledsoe, an elderly woman living in a small town in Texas. Myrtle is a wealthy widow who is haunted by memories of her past, including her failed marriage and the death of her son. As she reflects on her life, she becomes increasingly isolated and bitter, and begins to alienate those around her. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of Myrtle's life. The first movement, "The House," focuses on Myrtle's memories of her marriage and her relationship with her husband. The second movement, "The Church," explores Myrtle's relationship with her son and her struggles with religion. The final movement, "The Cemetery," deals with Myrtle's thoughts on death and her own mortality. One of the key characteristics of A Coffin in Egypt is its use of a single character to tell the story. Myrtle is the only character who appears on stage, and the opera is essentially a monologue in which she reflects on her life. This creates a sense of intimacy and allows the audience to connect with Myrtle on a deeper level. Another characteristic of the opera is its use of music to convey emotion. Gordon's score is haunting and evocative, with elements of blues, gospel, and country music. The music helps to create a sense of place and time, and adds depth and complexity to Myrtle's character. Overall, A Coffin in Egypt is a powerful and moving opera that explores themes of love, loss, and regret. Its unique structure and haunting score make it a memorable and thought-provoking work of art.

More....