Jake Heggie
If I Were You
Works Info
Composer:Jake HeggieGenre:OperaCompose Date:2019Average_duration:03:28If I Were You is an opera composed by Jake Heggie with a libretto by Gene Scheer. The opera was commissioned by the Merola Opera Program and the San Francisco Opera, and it premiered on July 27, 2019, at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco. The plot of the opera revolves around the character of Fabian Hart, a successful writer who is struggling with writer's block and a failing marriage. One day, he meets a mysterious stranger who offers him a deal: he can have the stranger's youth and success, but in exchange, he must give up his own identity and live the stranger's life. Fabian accepts the deal and becomes a younger, more successful version of himself, but soon realizes that the stranger's life is not as perfect as it seems. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct musical style and mood. The first act is characterized by lush, romantic melodies and explores Fabian's inner turmoil as he struggles with his writer's block and failing marriage. The second act is more playful and whimsical, with a jazzy, upbeat score that reflects Fabian's newfound youth and success. The third act is darker and more introspective, with a haunting, ethereal quality that reflects Fabian's growing sense of isolation and despair. One of the key themes of the opera is the nature of identity and the price of success. Through Fabian's journey, the opera explores the idea that success and happiness are not always synonymous, and that the pursuit of success can come at a great cost. Overall, If I Were You is a powerful and thought-provoking opera that showcases Jake Heggie's skill as a composer and Gene Scheer's talent as a librettist. Its premiere in 2019 was met with critical acclaim, and it is sure to be a beloved addition to the operatic canon for years to come.More....