Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

First Performance

:

1988

Average_duration

:

97:53

Movement_count

:

27

Movement ....

"Candide" is an operetta composed by Leonard Bernstein with a libretto by Lillian Hellman, Richard Wilbur, and others. The opera was first composed in 1956, but it underwent several revisions before its final version premiered in 1989. The Scottish Opera production of "Candide" premiered on May 9, 1988, at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. The plot of "Candide" follows the titular character, a naive and optimistic young man who is taught by his mentor, Dr. Pangloss, that this is the best of all possible worlds. Candide's beliefs are challenged when he is forced to flee his home and embark on a series of misadventures that take him across the world. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters who suffer from war, poverty, and injustice, and he begins to question his optimistic worldview. The opera is divided into two acts, each with multiple scenes. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the plot, while the second act follows Candide as he travels the world in search of his true love, Cunegonde. The music of "Candide" is characterized by its eclectic mix of styles, including classical, jazz, and musical theater. One of the most famous movements from "Candide" is the overture, which features a fast-paced, energetic melody that sets the tone for the rest of the opera. Other notable movements include "Glitter and Be Gay," a show-stopping aria sung by Cunegonde, and "Make Our Garden Grow," a rousing finale that celebrates the power of love and optimism. Overall, "Candide" is a satirical and humorous opera that critiques the idea of blind optimism and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Its music is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire.

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