A Hand of Bridge
| Samuel Barber |
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Operas
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A Hand of Bridge, opus 35, is an opera composed by Samuel Barber with libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti, is possibly the shortest opera that is regularly performed - it lasts about ten minutes. It consists of two couples playing a hand of bridge, during which each character has a short arietta in which he or she sings a monologue. The first performance took place at the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto on June 17, 1959.
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[edit] Roles
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, June 17, 1959[1] (Conductor: – Robert Feist) |
|---|---|---|
| David, a florid businessman | baritone | Renée Miville |
| Geraldine, his middle-aged wife | soprano | Patricia Neway |
| Bill, a lawyer | tenor | William Lewis |
| Sally, his wife | contralto | Ellen Miville |
[edit] Synopsis
The contract is 5♥ played by Bill, after the opponents competed in ♣. Sally recalls a hat she saw in a shop window earlier in the day. Bill, the lawyer, recalls a former lover and wonders where she is now. Geraldine laments not loving her now-dying mother while she was still well. Finally, David fantasizes about what he would do if he were as rich as his boss "Mr. Pritchett."
[edit] Recordings
- Neway, W.Lewis, Maero; Goldschmann, 1960
- Aks, Kittleson, Carney, Muenz; G.Smith, 1991
[edit] References
- Notes
- ^ Cast of A Hand of Bridge at usopera.com Retrieved 13 September 2011
- Sources
- Description from Schirmer's catalogue
- Hayman, B.. "Samuel Barber", Grove Music Online, ed. L. Macy (accessed April 8 2008), grovemusic.com (subscription access).
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