Black Widow (opera)
Encyclopedia
Black Widow is an opera
in three acts by Thomas Pasatieri
with an English
libretto
also by the composer
. The libretto is based on Miguel de Unamuno
's Dos madres. The opera premiered on March 2, 1972 with Seattle Opera
. Other notable productions include Lake George Opera in 1972 and the Atlanta Civic Opera Association
in 1981.
Opera
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
in three acts by Thomas Pasatieri
Thomas Pasatieri
Thomas Pasatieri is an American opera composer.He began composing at age 10 and, as a teenager, studied with Nadia Boulanger...
with an English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
libretto
Libretto
A libretto is the text used in an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata, or musical. The term "libretto" is also sometimes used to refer to the text of major liturgical works, such as mass, requiem, and sacred cantata, or even the story line of a...
also by the composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
. The libretto is based on Miguel de Unamuno
Miguel de Unamuno
Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo was a Spanish essayist, novelist, poet, playwright and philosopher.-Biography:...
's Dos madres. The opera premiered on March 2, 1972 with Seattle Opera
Seattle Opera
The Seattle Opera is an opera company located in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1963 by Glynn Ross, who served as the company's first general director through 1983, Seattle Opera's season runs from August to late May, with five or six operas offered and with eight to ten performances each, often...
. Other notable productions include Lake George Opera in 1972 and the Atlanta Civic Opera Association
Opera in Atlanta
Opera in Atlanta has a long and uneven history. The first shows performed in Atlanta predate the American Civil War and were primarily performed in makeshift facilities modified for the operatic arts. The main company for the region is the Atlanta Opera, founded in 1979, which produces mainstage...
in 1981.
Roles
| Cast | Voice type | Premiere, March 2, 1972 (Conductor: - Henry Holt) |
|---|---|---|
| Raquel | Joanna Simon | |
| Berta | Evelyn Mandac | |
| Doña Marta | Jennie Tourel Jennie Tourel Jennie Tourel was a Russian-American operatic mezzo-soprano, known for her work in both opera and recital performances.... |
|
| Juan | Theodor Uppman Theodor Uppman Theodor Uppman was an American operatic baritone. He is best known for his creation of the title role in Benjamin Britten's opera Billy Budd.... |
|
| Don Pedro | David Lloyd | |