Porgy and Bess
"Porgy and Bess" is a renowned American opera composed by George Gershwin, based on DuBose Heyward’s novel "Porgy" and its play adaptation. Set in the early 20th century on the islands off South Carolina, the story features an almost entirely Black cast and explores themes of love, loss, and resilience amidst societal and natural adversities. The narrative revolves around the central characters Porgy and Bess, addressing emotional and physical violence that impacts their lives, as well as the enduring strength of the human spirit. The opera premiered in Boston on September 30, 1935, followed by a Broadway opening on October 10, 1935, receiving mixed reviews at the time, particularly for its eclectic musical styles. Despite initial critiques, the work has become a classic, with many of its songs, such as "Summertime" and "It Ain't Necessarily So," gaining popularity across various music genres. "Porgy and Bess" has significantly influenced both opera and musical theatre, prompting other composers to create works that blend these artistic forms. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire discussions, performances, and adaptations around the world.
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Porgy and Bess
Creators George Gershwin (musical score); DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin (libretto)
Identification Opera about African American life during the 1920’s
Dates First performed in 1935
Many people consider George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to be the most popular American opera ever produced. Several of its songs became classics. In addition, its sympathetic, if perhaps a bit stereotypical, portrayal of African Americans in the South both reflected and influenced the typical Anglo-American view of black culture at the time.
For many years, Gershwin had considered writing a “popular American opera.” After looking at several different texts for the basis of the work, Gershwin settled on DuBose Heyward’s novel Porgy (1924), which had already been turned into a play and performed by the Theatre Guild (which also, incidently, did the first performance of the opera). Gershwin started writing the opera in earnest in 1934, finishing the first draft by January, 1935, and the short score by September, 1935.
The story is set in “the recent past” on the islands off South Carolina and features an almost entirely black cast. Much of the plot concerns lost love—through violence of man, as when Crown kills Robbins; violence of nature, as when a hurricane kills the parents of a young baby; or violence of thought, as when Sportin’ Life persuades Bess to go to New York, leaving Porgy alone again—and how society nonetheless carries on.
The work was first performed in Boston on September 30, 1935, and subsequently, after some cuts, on Broadway on October 10, 1935. It received mixed reviews, particularly regarding its mix of musical styles, but subsequent revivals have secured its place in history.
Impact
Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess has continued to be performed, discussed, studied, and imitated. Several tunes, including “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” became so popular in their own right that they crossed over to other genres, becoming hits for the likes of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Furthermore, following Gershwin’s example, other composers, of both classical and Broadway music, have successfully produced works that straddle the realms of opera and musical.
Bibliography
Alpert, Hollis. The Life and Times of Porgy and Bess: The Story of an American Classic. New York: Knopf, 1990.
Pollack, Howard. George Gershwin: His Life and Work. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2006.
Rosenberg, Deena. Fascinating Rhythm: The Collaboration of George and Ira Gershwin. New York: Dutton, 1991.