Composer

:

Noël Coward

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1929

Average_duration

:

68:02

Bitter Sweet is an operetta composed by Noël Coward in 1929. The plot revolves around a young woman named Sarah Millick who falls in love with a musician named Carl Linden. However, Sarah's family disapproves of the match and she is forced to marry a wealthy older man named Lord Shayne. Despite her marriage, Sarah continues to pine for Carl and eventually reunites with him, only to discover that he has moved on and is now engaged to another woman. The operetta is set in the late 19th century and features a number of memorable songs, including "I'll See You Again" and "If Love Were All". The music is characterized by its lush melodies and sophisticated harmonies, which reflect Coward's background in both classical and popular music. Bitter Sweet premiered in London in 1929 and was an immediate success, running for over 600 performances. It was later adapted into a film in 1933, which starred Anna Neagle and Fernand Gravey. The operetta is divided into three acts, each of which features a different setting and mood. The first act takes place in a Viennese pastry shop, where Sarah and Carl first meet and fall in love. The second act is set in London, where Sarah is married to Lord Shayne and Carl has become a successful composer. The final act takes place in Venice, where Sarah and Carl are reunited and must confront their feelings for each other. Overall, Bitter Sweet is a charming and romantic operetta that showcases Coward's talents as both a composer and a lyricist. Its memorable songs and engaging plot have made it a beloved classic of the musical theater canon.

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