Composer

:

Michael Berkeley

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

2000

Average_duration

:

71:40

Movement_count

:

20

Movement ....

"Jane Eyre" is an opera composed by Michael Berkeley, with a libretto by David Malouf. The opera is based on the classic novel of the same name by Charlotte Bronte. It was commissioned by the Music Theatre Wales and premiered on September 25, 2000, at the Cheltenham Festival. The plot of the opera follows the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl who is sent to live with her cruel aunt and cousins. She is eventually sent to a boarding school, where she excels academically and becomes a teacher. She then becomes a governess for the wealthy Mr. Rochester, with whom she falls in love. However, she discovers that he is already married and has been keeping his insane wife locked in the attic. Jane leaves Mr. Rochester and eventually finds happiness with a distant cousin, St. John Rivers. The opera is divided into three acts, with each act representing a different stage in Jane's life. The first act focuses on Jane's childhood and her time at the boarding school. The second act focuses on her relationship with Mr. Rochester, and the third act focuses on her life after leaving him. The music of "Jane Eyre" is characterized by its use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes that represent different characters or ideas. The opera also features a variety of musical styles, including classical, folk, and jazz. The vocal writing is challenging, with many demanding arias and duets for the lead characters. Overall, "Jane Eyre" is a powerful and emotional opera that captures the essence of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel. It has been performed around the world and has received critical acclaim for its music and storytelling.

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