First performance 1953 Librettist Bohuslav Martinů | Composer Bohuslav Martinů | |
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Similar Mirandolina, Julietta, The Greek Passion, The Miracles of Mary | ||
What Men Live By (Čím člověk žije in Czech) is an opera in one act by Bohuslav Martinů to an English libretto by the composer, based on the story by Leo Tolstoy. It was composed in 1951-1952 when the composer was living in the U.S.A.
Contents
Performance history
The opera was premiered as a television broadcast in New York in May 1953. The first staged performance took place on 31 July 1954 in Interlochen, Michigan, by the National Music Camp company.
Instrumentation
The orchestral score requires 1 flute, 2 oboes, 3 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 1 trumpet, 1 trombone, timpani, percussion (various instruments), piano and strings (6 violins I, 6 violins II, 4 violas, 3 violoncellos, 2 double basses). Apart from the vocal soloists, a small chorus (or a vocal quartet or quintet) is also required.