Four Saints in Three Acts

Four Saints in Three Acts is an opera by American composer Virgil Thomson with a libretto by Gertrude Stein.

Overview

First staged on February 20, 1934, the opera was notable in that it defied many traditional aspects of opera. Stein's libretto focused more on an affinity for the sounds of words than on presenting a narrative. The plot of the opera focuses on two sixteenth century Spanish saints—Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Avila—as well as their followers, St. Settlement and St. Chavez. The cast also includes St. Teresa's alter ego, "St. Teresa II", and the master and mistress of ceremonies called the Compere and Commere.

Related Topics:
February 20 - 1934 - Ignatius of Loyola - Teresa of Avila

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The first act takes place at a the Avila cathedral, the second act is a picnic and the final act is set at the garden of a monastery. Thomson's simple, melodious and imaginative music was considered unconventional for an Opera. Protestant hymns, quotations of known melodies and dance rhythms are teamed with glass-beaded cellophane sets. Costumes also included colorful lace, silks and taffetas. Also considered unusual was the all-black cast portrayed the European saints as there was little or no precedent for this in stage history.

Related Topics:
Avila - Protestant - Hymns

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