Treemonisha

Treemonisha is an opera composed by the famed African-American ragtime composer Scott Joplin. Though it encompasses a wide range of musical styles other than ragtime, and Joplin himself never referred to it as such, {{ref|ragtimeopera}} it is still sometimes referred to as a "ragtime opera". The music of Treemonisha includes an overture and prelude, along with various recitatives, choruses, small ensemble pieces, a ballet and a few arias {{ref|elements}}.

Related Topics:
Ragtime - Scott Joplin - Overture - Prelude - Recitative - Chorus - Ballet - Aria

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Treemonisha was not performed in its entirety until 1970, when the score was rediscovered. This discovery was called a "semimiracle" by music historian Gilbert Chase, who said Treemonisha "bestowed its creative vitality and moral message upon many thoughsands of delighted listeners and viewers" when it was recreated {{ref|rediscovery}}. The opera's theme is education being the salvation of the African American race, represented in the heroine and symbolic educator Treemonisha who conflicts with a local band of magicians that eventually kidnap her {{ref|theme}}. The musical accompaniment of the opera is in the romantic style that was popular in the early 20th century, and has been described as "charming and piquant and... deeply moving", with elements of African American folk songs and dances, including a kind of pre-blues music, spirituals, and a call-and-response style scene involving a congregation and preacher {{ref|blackelements}}.

Related Topics:
Blues - Spiritual - Call-and-response

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