The Little Prince (opera)

The Little Prince is an opera in two acts by Rachel Portman, based on the novella The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The libretto is by Nicholas Wright. The opera tells the story of a stranded pilot in the Sahara Desert who encounters a young prince who has fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid.

Composition and Performance History:

Portman was commissioned to write the opera by Houston Grand Opera, where it premiered on May 31, 2003. Since then, it has become a popular work, frequently performed by opera companies and schools around the world. Its relatively accessible music and themes make it suitable for audiences of all ages. The original production was directed by Francesca Zambello and starred Nathan Gunn as the Pilot and Joseph McManners as the Little Prince.

Synopsis:

The opera generally follows the narrative of the original novella. A pilot crashes in the desert and is awakened by a young boy who asks him to draw a sheep. The prince tells the pilot of his travels to other planets, each inhabited by a single, eccentric adult. He encounters a King, a Conceited Man, a Drunkard, a Businessman, a Lamplighter, and a Geographer. The Little Prince learns about their shortcomings and the limitations of their perspectives. On Earth, the Little Prince meets a Fox who teaches him about taming and responsibility. He also meets a Snake who offers to send him back to his star. Eventually, the Little Prince returns to his asteroid, leaving the pilot with valuable lessons about love, friendship, and what is truly important in life. The opera emphasizes themes of imagination, innocence, and the importance of looking beyond superficial appearances.

Musical Style:

Portman's score is characterized by its lyrical melodies and accessible harmonies. It utilizes a variety of orchestral colors and textures to evoke the different settings and characters. The music is often described as being both beautiful and emotionally resonant, making it particularly effective in conveying the poignancy of the story.

Roles:

The opera features a range of roles, including:

• The Little Prince (usually sung by a boy soprano or treble)
• The Pilot (baritone)
• The Fox (soprano)
• The Snake (tenor or countertenor)
• The King (bass)
• The Conceited Man (tenor)
• The Drunkard (bass)
• The Businessman (baritone)
• The Lamplighter (tenor)
• The Geographer (bass)

Editions and Recordings:

A commercially available recording exists featuring the original Houston Grand Opera cast. Several vocal scores and orchestrations are available for performance.