Gaea (Bolcom)

Gaea is an opera in two acts composed by William Bolcom. It premiered in 1996 and is based on the Greek myth of Gaea, the primordial Earth goddess. The opera explores themes of creation, destruction, and the cyclical nature of life and death. Bolcom's score is characterized by its eclecticism, blending elements of various musical styles, including opera seria, musical theatre, and jazz. The libretto, often described as surreal and dreamlike, features a complex narrative structure and uses both spoken word and sung passages. While the opera is not as widely performed as some of Bolcom's other works, it is considered a significant contribution to contemporary American opera. Further research may be needed to detail specific aspects of its musical style, reception, and critical analysis.