Minimalist Operas of the 20th Century
Great Operas by Philip Glass, Michael Nyman and John Adams
Jul 18, 2008
Going to watch opera can be expensive and the huge resources required to stage minimalist opera means performances can be rare in some cities. Therefore the potential opera goer should listen to the recordings of the operas before they make their decision.
Einstein on the Beach by Philip Glass
The most famous exponent of the minimalist genre Philip Glass has also ventured into the opera house. Einstein on the Beach is not a traditional opera however and could better be described as a large scale musical art installation. Audience members are invited to walk in and out during the performance as the plot is fairly abstract. It revolves around three central images;
- Albert Einstein playing the Violin
- A courtroom
- A train
Musically it contains some of Glass’s most intense and high speed repetitive patterns. It also contains some very recognisable slower sections that have been featured in numerous advertising campaigns.
Performed in its entirety Einstein on the Beach lasts between 4-5 hours so it is recommended that before seeing it the listener should purchase the Highlights recording which is readily available.
Akhnaten by Philip Glass
Another “portrait” opera by Philip Glass this time focusing on the life of an Egyptian King, Akhnaten lacks the fast pace and intensity of Einstein on the Beach but is generally a little easier on the ear at first listening. Akhnaten also contains some excellent musical writing for perscussion.
There is a very good recording of this opera on Columbia records featuring the Stuttgart Opera.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Michael Nyman
A one act chamber opera The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat is not ideal for the first timer due to the claustrophobic nature of Nyman’s music. It is an opera that takes time to appreciate and this will not be done with a first listening. Listener’s who are only familiar with Nyman’s music form the motion picture The Piano may also be in for a surprise.
Given time, however, and this opera shows the emotionally descriptive power of Nyman’s opera writing.
Nixon in China by John Adams
Nixon in China is sometimes described as the first CNN opera i.e and opera that is based around an actual news event. The plot of Nixon in China follows the first official visit to Communist China by an American President.
It is a work of musical brilliance that begins with the ominous repetition of an ascending A minor scale. Adam’s than takes all of minimalisms key ideas (repetition, cyclical rhythmic structure etc) and uses them to devise some very powerful arias. A great example is “News has a kind of mystery” sung by Nixon as he walks off the plane.
The most often performed of all the minimalist operas; Nixon in China is a highly accessible work that is perfect for the first timer. It was recently performed by the English National Opera at the London Coliseum.
The Death of Klinghoffer by John Adams
Dark, intense and highly controversial The Death of Klinghoffer is an opera inspired by the tragic events on the Achille Lauro. A passenger ship hijacked by the Palestine Liberation Front. Criticised by some for its portrayal of the terrorists it will always divide opinion between listeners. A debate fuelled even more so by the choice of Adams as the official 9/11 memorial composer.
Musically not as melodious as Nixon in China but still compelling, the opera is punctuated by chorus sections which comment on the drama. These chorus sections are very often performed in isolation in concert form and are a good opportunity to get a taste of Adam’s style.
For those classical music fans interested in exploring minimalism further they should read Philip Glass Film Music Highlights.
