Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1951

First Performance

:

1952

Average_duration

:

44:15

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

"Trouble in Tahiti" is a one-act opera composed by Leonard Bernstein in 1951. The opera tells the story of a young couple, Sam and Dinah, who are struggling to maintain their relationship in the midst of suburban ennui and societal pressures. The plot is set in the 1950s and is a commentary on the American Dream and the disillusionment that often accompanies it. The opera premiered on June 12, 1952, at the Brandeis University Festival of the Creative Arts in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was later revised and expanded into a full-length opera titled "A Quiet Place" in 1983. "Trouble in Tahiti" is characterized by its jazzy score, which incorporates elements of popular music and musical theater. The opera features a small cast of six singers and a chamber orchestra, and is divided into seven scenes. The first scene introduces the audience to Sam and Dinah, who are both dissatisfied with their lives. Sam is a workaholic who is never home, while Dinah spends her days shopping and going to the movies. The second scene features a trio of singers who represent the "Greek chorus" of suburban life, commenting on the superficiality and emptiness of their surroundings. In the third scene, Dinah goes to see a psychiatrist, who encourages her to confront her feelings and communicate with Sam. The fourth scene features a dream sequence in which Sam and Dinah imagine themselves as characters in a Hollywood musical, highlighting their desire for a more glamorous and exciting life. The fifth scene is a flashback to Sam and Dinah's courtship, which is contrasted with their current unhappy marriage. The sixth scene features a duet between Sam and Dinah, in which they express their frustrations and desires. The final scene sees the couple reconciling and making plans to work on their relationship. Overall, "Trouble in Tahiti" is a poignant and satirical commentary on the American Dream and the struggles of modern relationships. Its jazzy score and witty libretto make it a beloved classic of American opera.

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