19th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
Marc Blitzstein's opera, "Regina" -- A Social Commentary through Music
Kathleen M. Redmon
Dr. Jacqueline Collett, Faculty Mentor
Known as "the social conscience of American music," composer Marc Blitzstein used his music to address major social issues of the early 20th century. Though many of his compositions have disappeared from performance, his opera Regina, is still performed throughout the world today. Through Regina, Blitzstein attempted to address the issues of race, economic, and social discrimination during the turn of the 20th century in the South. Blitzstein tried to create an "American" opera for his listeners to identify with, using contemporary dance forms and popular folk music of the time with influences from hymns, the blues, jazz, ragtime, and slave field songs. Blitzstein champions the underdog throughout the opera, illustrating the evils of money and greed through an affluent family that eventually falls apart.
Keywords: Blitzstein, opera, Regina
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 3-1
Location: OP 1393, Performance Hall
Time: 8:15