Composer

:

William Bergsma

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1941 - 1942

Average_duration

:

13:53

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

"Gold and the Senor Commandante" is a ballet composed by William Bergsma in 1965. The plot of the ballet revolves around a group of miners who discover a large vein of gold in a small Mexican village. The Senor Commandante, a corrupt local official, attempts to take control of the gold and the miners' lives. The ballet explores themes of greed, power, and the struggle for freedom. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Discovery," introduces the miners and their discovery of the gold. The second movement, "The Senor Commandante," introduces the corrupt official and his attempts to take control of the gold and the miners. The final movement, "The Rebellion," depicts the miners' rebellion against the Senor Commandante and their fight for freedom. The music of "Gold and the Senor Commandante" is characterized by its use of traditional Mexican folk music, including mariachi and banda music. Bergsma also incorporates elements of modern classical music, including dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms. The ballet premiered on May 6, 1965, at the San Francisco Opera House. It was choreographed by Lew Christensen and featured sets and costumes by David Hockney. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Bergsma's innovative use of traditional Mexican music. Overall, "Gold and the Senor Commandante" is a powerful and thought-provoking ballet that explores themes of greed, power, and the struggle for freedom. Its use of traditional Mexican music and innovative modern classical elements make it a unique and memorable work of art.

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