What is Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" about? Summary and general impression

Many wonderful works were composed by the remarkable composer George Gershwin for a short time. Among them are pop songs, rhapsodies, overtures, plays, suites, and plays of various genres. The most popular among listeners is the jazz opera "Porgy and Bess". The summary is known by few, mainly known is the famous lullaby Clara, bearing a different name, "Summer". Melody fascinates more than one generation, but what is it about? And what is the whole opera about?

What was Gershwin

The path to the glory of Jacob, a descendant of emigrants from Russia, was not easy. Self-learning piano playing began at the age of twelve, and four years later, in 1914, the young man already "spiked" in the publishing house Remik accompanist. The family lived in Brooklyn, and not very well, three more children of Hershovitz (this was Gershwin's surname in his youth) wanted to eat, so he had to work. The love of music turned out to be innate. Only having learned to play, George began and composed, however, without much success. Persistence, however, brings fruit, especially in combination with talent, and soon in the revue of Sigmund Romberg the first works of the young author were performed. Then everything went in full accordance with the image of the "American Dream" - fame, success, money. The joy of life lasted until 1937. The genius composer and pianist discovered an inoperable brain tumor. The disease killed George Gershwin on the 39th year. But he managed a lot, including the compilation of the great opera "Porgy and Bess". A brief summary of his other creations would take up too much space for one article.

Purpose

In 1926, George read a book written by David Hayward, and this literary work made a strong impression on him. At that time the composer was actively conducting, writing music, but he took the time to send a letter to the author in which he expressed admiration and intention to work on a work conceived as a musical illustration of the novel. Eight years passed before he could begin to implement this creative plan. By that time, the couple - Dubois and Dorothy Hayward - had already found suitable spirituals themselves for a performance based on the book. In the plot of the literary work there were two black characters, Porgy and Bess. The brief content of the novel could be reduced to the phrase "criminal melodrama".

Contract signed

In America, any major business begins with a contract. In 1933, a tripartite agreement was signed between the "Theater Guild", the author of the literary source Dubois Hayward and the composer George Gershwin on the yet-written opera "Porgy and Bess". The summary of this document, now part of the history of American art, is a transfer of financial conditions and royalties. The general idea and literary part, which included most of the libretto, was provided by the writer. The music was to be composed by J. Gershwin. The guild took on the promotion of the opera on the stage of the leading theaters. Texts of some parties came from the pen of George's brother, Ira, it was not included in the contract, it just happened so.

The first picture, actions 1-3

Famous lullaby Clara - that's where the opera "Porgy and Bess" begins. The summary of the text of this composition, which has become part of the jazz classics, consists in describing the dream of a rich dad, a beautiful mother, fish jumping out of the water and other beautiful phenomena that make up the hope of the poor. In combination with a mesmerizing melodious melody, the lullaby leads the listener into the right emotional state from the very first chords. Then follows the scene of the conflict that arose during gambling in the bone. The company was gay: here is the gangster from New York Sporting Life (this is the nickname), and Robbins (port loader) with his wife, and Crown (also a loader) with girlfriend Bess. Still there is a disabled person, black (like everyone else) Porgy.

The loaders quarreled, Crown killed Robbins and fled. Police officers are about to arrive, the beautiful girlfriend of the murderer is confused, she does not know what to do, and there is no one to help her. Only a disabled person offers her shelter in her home, and she agrees. In the meantime, Robbins's widow is crying, and neighbors help her, who than can. Remain together Porgy and Bess. The summary of the first two actions on this can be considered exhausted.

Then follows a hint that for a while (a month or more) after the dramatic events has already passed. Porgy is happy, he loved Bess for a long time, but he was afraid to admit it, but now he has opened. The life of a small fishing village comes to an ordinary rhythm: husbands go to the sea, their wives are waiting. But then Sporting Life again appears on the scene, and under the pretext of an invitation to a picnic takes Bess to amuse himself. Porgy remains alone.

Second and last picture

Dramatic, but optimistic jazz ballad opera "Porgy and Bess". The summary of the second picture can be described dynamically: the pictures change one another, they have many tempo transitions and contrasting tones, the major often changes into a minor and vice versa.

The scene of folk festivities, fun, bright colors, characteristic for the outfits of black Americans. Sporting Life is cheerful and self-righteous, but suddenly there comes the fugitive killer Crown. He leads his girlfriend, despite her objections.

Morning. A polyphonic polyphonic roll call of merchants, the sounds of a waking town.

- A fish!

- Strawberry!

Bess still managed to escape from the hands of Crown and now lies exhausted in the closet Porgy. The fisherman, who came to help, prays. Outside the window, a storm begins, in which her husband perishes.

In the middle of the night, Crown tries to break into Porgy's home. He does not expect a rebuff, but a disabled person protects his love as much as he can and in the ensuing fight accidentally kills the offender. The police exclude Porgi from the number of suspects, but he is still taken to the station as a witness.

When he is released, he will not find his beloved. Sporting Life deceived Bess, telling her that Porgy had been "bitten" for a long time, and took the beauty to New York.

Porgy goes to look for her. He is cheerful and resolute, although, apart from his simple belongings and stroller, he has nothing.

That's the whole story.

Aftertaste

The content of the opera "Porgy and Bess", even in the most complete and detailed presentation, can not convey the atmosphere that the genius Gershwin could create. The work only in form resembles a drama with a criminal plot, in fact it is a story of infinite love. It is about self-sacrifice, readiness to do everything for an expensive person, and about the fact that this is the real happiness. The disabled Porgi do not frighten the difficulties, he knows that he is "on his way." It is about this great feeling that George Gershwin's music. You can listen to it without knowing English, it is clear without words.