Four Saints in Three Acts

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

Productions

The wild elements led to a successful and well-received first production. While critics were divided, audiences accepted the created fantasy world created by the singers who gave meaning to the words and melodies given to their saintly characters.

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The cast of the original production included:

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• Edward Matthews as "St Ignatius"
• Beatrice Robinson-Wayne as "St Teresa"
• Abner Dorsey as "the Compere"
• Altonnell Hines as "the Commere"
• Ruby Greene
• Inez Matthews (Edward Matthew's sister)
• Charles Holland
• The Eva Jessye Choir, lead by Eva Jessye

The opera would be performed later as a concert oratorio such as the 1942 and 1947 radio broadcasts. Stage performances were produced in 1952 and 1973. In 1981, a New York concert version was performed for Thomson's eight-fifth birthday celebration. For this performance, Betty Allen, Gwendolyn Bradley, William Brown, Clamma Dale, Benjamin Matthews, Florence Quivar and Arthur Thompson sung the principal parts.

Related Topics:
Oratorio - 1942 - 1947 - 1952 - 1973 - Betty Allen - Gwendolyn Bradley - William Brown - Clamma Dale - Benjamin Matthews - Florence Quivar - Arthur Thompson

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