Now Reading
Jewish Operas!
Slut for Slicha
A Very Jewcy Rosh Hashanah
Snipped and Satisfied
Schtupless in Seattle
Gefilte Guilt
Messy Meshugane. Again.

Jewish Operas!

Only recently did the operatic adaptation of Angels in America, the important and very Jewish play, run in New York. So it got us thinking, what are other Jewish operas?

There are plenty about Biblical characters, usually written by non-Jewish artists from gentile perspectives. And plenty of operas have a Jewish character here or there, sometimes as a pretty unfortunate stereotype (it’s bound to happen with an art form that’s centuries old). There are several operatic adaptations of The Merchant of Venice alone. Then there’s the singular example of The Death of Klinghoffer, which Lord knows has drawn a lot of attention for its depiction of a real fatal terrorist attack against a Jewish man.

But here are a few honest-to-God operas with Jewish characters, some, we confess, still more likable than others. There are more where these come from, but this is a good list of five that are of at least some prominence:

1. Nabucco is perhaps the highest-profile work on this list, since its composer is Giuseppe Verdi (the librettist is Temistocle Solera). also perhaps best known for its “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves.” The title refers to Nebuchadnezzar, as in, the Babylonian king, and it’s about the destruction of the Temple and birth of the Jewish Diaspora. Are the Jews clearly written by people who had very little understanding of what it means to be Jewish? Sure, but they are the heroes, and the score is great.

2. Harvey Milk is a 1995 opera composed by Stewart Wallace, with a libretto by Jewish writer Michael Korie. Yes, it’s a bio-musical of the Jewish LGBT activist, over a decade before the film of Milk’s life.

3. Jerry Springer: The Opera isn’t much Jewish in content; it’s about themes of sin and redemption, and Jesus even puts in an appearance. But it is a freewheeling critique of Springer’s infamous TV show, with Jerry as the central figure. (Um, spoiler alert, though: He dies at the end. And the real Springer actually attended a performance!)

In an amazing coincidence, off-Broadway’s New Group just announced that it’s producing this opera next season, but in the meantime, you can watch the whole thing online!

4. The Dybbuk. Yes, there is an opera version of the S.Y. Ansky tale of Jewish demonic possession. It premiered in 1951, composed and written respectively by brothers David and Alex Tamkin.

5. La Juive means “The Jew[ess]” in French, and even though it debuted in 1835, it’s actually an opera by a Jewish composer, Fromental Halévy (though the librettist, Eugène Scribe, was not). The story of a doomed interfaith love is a general condemnation of anti-Semitism. Not bad considering that Jews had relatively recently been emancipated in France.

Image via Wikimedia.

View Comments (66)
  • Wow, superb weblog structure! How long have you ever been blogging for?
    you made running a blog glance easy. The full glance of your
    web site is excellent, as neatly as the content material!

  • I am in fact happy to read this blog posts which carries lots of helpful information, thanks for
    providing these kinds of statistics.

    Here is my web page – special

  • I don’t even know how I finished up right here, but I believed this
    put up used to be great. I do not understand who you’re but definitely you are going to a famous blogger for those who aren’t already.
    Cheers!

    My blog: tracfone

  • My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority
    of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content in your case?
    I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write with regards to here.
    Again, awesome web site!

  • I’ll right away seize your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Please let me recognize in order that I may just subscribe.

    Thanks.

  • Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I
    was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?

    I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and
    I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  • Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too great.
    I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say
    it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise.
    I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous site.

  • May I just say what a relief to discover an individual who truly knows what they’re talking about on the
    internet. You definitely understand how to bring a problem to light
    and make it important. A lot more people should read this and understand this side of
    the story. I can’t believe you are not more popular since you certainly possess
    the gift.

  • I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering issues with your website.
    It appears like some of the text on your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This might be a issue with my internet browser because
    I’ve had this happen previously. Thank you

    Also visit my site – raycon

  • This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful
    post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage; coupon

  • After looking at a number of the blog articles on your site,
    I seriously appreciate your technique of writing a blog.

    I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Please check out my web site too and tell me what you think.

  • Wonderful site. Plenty of helpful information here.
    I’m sending it to several buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
    And obviously, thanks in your sweat!

  • I loved as much as you will receive carried out right
    here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter
    stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you
    wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield
    this hike.

  • I know this website offers quality based content and
    other stuff, is there any other web site which presents these kinds of things
    in quality?

  • Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some
    of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking
    back often!

  • I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your
    site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and
    visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?

    Great work!

  • Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make
    my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your theme.
    Appreciate it

  • A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you ought
    to write more on this issue, it may not be a taboo subject
    but typically folks don’t discuss these subjects.
    To the next! Cheers!!

  • If some one wishes expert view concerning blogging and site-building then i suggest him/her to go to see this
    web site, Keep up the pleasant job.

  • Thanks for your marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.
    I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will often come
    back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage
    you to continue your great job, have a nice evening!

  • This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively professional blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for in the hunt for more of your magnificent post.

    Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks

  • We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.

    Your site provided us with valuable info to work on.
    You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

  • I think this is among the most significant info for
    me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The site style is perfect,
    the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  • Hello colleagues, pleasant piece of writing and pleasant urging commented at this place, I am genuinely
    enjoying by these.

  • Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
    Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
    Keep up the outstanding work!

  • When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now
    each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Bless you!

  • After exploring a few of the articles on your blog, I honestly
    like your technique of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and
    will be checking back soon. Please visit my web site too and let me know what you think.

  • Hey!. Interesting material! I’m really enjoy this. It will be great if you’ll read my first article on mycollegeessaywriter.com)

  • Hi! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4.
    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to
    resolve this issue. If you have any suggestions, please
    share. Thank you!

  • Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though
    you relied on the video to make your point. You
    definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away
    your intelligence on just posting videos to your
    blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  • Hi! I understand this is somewhat off-topic but I needed to ask.

    Does running a well-established website like yours require a large amount of work?
    I’m brand new to running a blog but I do write in my journal daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my experience and
    views online. Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas
    or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

  • I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet users, its really really good paragraph on building up new webpage.

  • I like the valuable information you supply in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at again right
    here frequently. I’m reasonably certain I will be told lots of new stuff proper right here!
    Best of luck for the following!

  • I have to thank you for the efforts you have
    put in penning this site. I’m hoping to view the same
    high-grade content from you later on as well.
    In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal blog now
    ;)

  • I am not sure where you are getting your information, but good
    topic. I needs to spend some time learning
    much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  • You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write.
    The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t
    afraid to mention how they believe. Always go
    after your heart.

  • Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between usability and
    visual appearance. I must say you’ve done
    a great job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Firefox.
    Excellent Blog!

  • Heya i’m for the primary time here. I found this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped
    me out a lot. I hope to offer something back and aid others such as you
    helped me.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll To Top