Science-fiction opera

Not to be confused with Space opera.

Science-fiction opera refers to operas whose subject-matter fits in or near the science fiction genre. Like science-fiction literature, science-fiction operas may be set in the future and involve intergalactic travel or alien invasion. Other science-fiction operas focus on a dystopian view of the future. Like Lorin Maazel’s opera 1984, they may be based on a previously written science fiction book. Science-fiction operas provide opportunities for imaginative costume and scenic design.^{[citation needed]}

Operas that parody well known science fiction tropes also exist, such as Space Opera and Opera Galactica.

List of science-fiction operas

The following is a partial list of science-fiction operas. The list is in alphabetical order of composer.

• Karl-Birger Blomdahl (1916–1968): Aniara (based on the long poem by Harry Martinson)
• Gavin Bryars (1943– ): Doctor Ox's Experiment (based on the book by Jules Verne)
• Howard Shore (1946– ): The Fly (based on David Cronenberg's 1986 film)
• Philip Glass (1937– ): The Making of the Representative for Planet 8 and The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five (based on the books by Doris Lessing), as well as The Voyage
• Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) Il mondo della luna (The World of the Moon), 1777
• Leoš Janáček (1854-1928): The Makropulos Affair (based on the play by Karel Čapek), Premiered 1926 and The Excursions of Mr. Brouček to the Moon and to the 15th Century
• Lorin Maazel (1930– ) 1984 (based on the book by George Orwell)
• Tod Machover (1953– ) Valis (1987) (based on the book by Philip K. Dick)
• Gian Carlo Menotti (1911–2007) A Bride from Pluto and Help, Help, the Globolinks!
• Meredith Monk (1942– ) The Games: a science fiction opera
• Poul Ruders (1949– ) The Handmaid's Tale (opera) (based on the book by Margaret Atwood)
• Floris Schönfeld's u, the first opera in Klingon
• Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928–2007 ) Licht (based on The Urantia Book)
• Steven Andrew Taylor's "Paradises Lost", a setting of works by Ursula K. Le Guin

See also

Space opera