Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

Feb 1949 - Sep 1949

Publication Date

:

1950

First Performance

:

Oct 30, 1949

Average_duration

:

71:32

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

'Lost in the Stars' is a musical drama composed by Kurt Weill with a libretto by Maxwell Anderson. The musical is based on the novel 'Cry, the Beloved Country' by Alan Paton. The plot revolves around the story of a black South African pastor, Stephen Kumalo, who travels to Johannesburg to find his son, Absalom, who has been accused of murdering a white man. The musical explores themes of racial injustice, forgiveness, and redemption. The musical was composed in 1949 and premiered on Broadway on October 30, 1949. The original production was directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starred Todd Duncan as Stephen Kumalo. The musical was a critical success and received six Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. The musical is divided into two acts and features a mix of operatic arias, choral numbers, and traditional musical theater songs. The music is characterized by Weill's signature blend of classical and popular music styles, with influences from African music and jazz. The first act opens with a choral number, "The Hills of Ixopo," which sets the scene in rural South Africa. The music is characterized by African rhythms and harmonies, with a mix of solo and choral vocals. The second song, "Thousands of Miles," is a duet between Stephen Kumalo and his friend, Theophilus Msimangu. The song features a mix of classical and popular music styles, with a haunting melody and lush orchestration. The second act opens with a rousing gospel number, "O Tixo, Tixo, Help Me!" which features a full choir and solo vocals. The song is a plea for forgiveness and redemption, and sets the tone for the rest of the act. The final song, "Lost in the Stars," is a solo by Stephen Kumalo, which reflects on the tragedy of his son's death and the hope for a better future. The song features a simple melody and sparse orchestration, with a powerful emotional impact. Overall, 'Lost in the Stars' is a powerful and moving musical that explores important themes of racial injustice and redemption. The music is characterized by Weill's unique blend of classical and popular music styles, with influences from African music and jazz. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1949 and has since been revived several times, cementing its place as a classic of American musical theater.

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