Opera, Poetry, and National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate creativity and the beauty of expression. Next fall, the Nashville Symphony is set to present the world premiere of Everything Hurts, a stunning new composition by celebrated American composer Brian Field. The presentation will include an inspirational musical setting of "Hymn for the Hurting." Amanda Gorman, presidential inaugural poet, wrote this poem. The work is the first-ever adaptation of Gorman's work. This performance is not merely a mere reminder; it is a powerful appeal for hope, action, and a future free from gun violence. The work will be an operatic experience in partnership with composer Brian Field. This fusion invites us to explore how poetry and opera can intertwine to create something wonderfully new.

Poetry has always been important in shaping the stories portrayed in operatic librettos. Poetry fills opera with emotional depth and lyricism, making performances resonate even more deeply with audiences.

Amanda Gorman: A Poetess of Our Time

Amanda Gorman made a significant impact with her stirring inaugural performance for President Biden. Her words, filled with hope and resilience, reached millions worldwide. Gorman’s poetry often focuses on unity, justice, and the strength of the human spirit—themes that can easily find a home in operatic storytelling.

With collaborating with Field, Gorman’s poignant words are estimated to reach a new audience of over 10,000 opera lovers in its first run alone. The integration of her verses with music is expected to enhance the existing emotional power of her poetry, creating a rich and immersive experience. Imagine sitting in a theater, hearing her words brought to life through song, amplifying the meaning behind each line.

This blend of art forms creates and highlights a blend of inspiration and creativity leading to groundbreaking artistic expression.

The Power of Poetry in Opera

Historically, many operas have taken inspiration from poetry, drawing on its rich imagery and emotional weight. The passionate romances of Puccini and the tragic heroics of Verdi showcase how the lyrical quality of poetry enhances opera’s narrative depth.

Let’s consider a few specific examples. Gabriel Fauré’s "Dolly Suite" incorporates poetic themes from various French poets, illustrating how opera can evoke deep emotions through careful musical construction. Similarly, Benjamin Britten based several of his operas on the works of poets like W.H. Auden and Peter Pears, creating a meaningful blend of text and melody that resonates with audiences.

This relationship is not only an academic observation but also a living tradition that continues to evolve. When music and poetry unite, they create experiences that invite audiences to feel and think in profound ways. Studies show that audiences often recall emotional experiences in opera more vividly, highlighting the power of this art form to resonate long after the curtain falls.

How Poetry Influences Librettos

In opera, the libretto—the text accompanying the music—is foundational. This is where poetry shines, providing rhythmic qualities and linguistic elegance to operatic storytelling. Poets like Helen Steiner Rice have often inspired librettists, whose work captures universal themes that easily translate into compelling narratives.

Modern librettists increasingly collaborate with poets, giving rise to innovative pieces that connect with today’s audiences. This partnership helps keep poetry alive in the arts, ensuring that these voices are celebrated, not sidelined.

When we think of an opera inspired by poetry, we recognize an expansive realm of creativity. As a performer and observer of the arts, I find joy in this fusion leading to fresh storytelling experiences for current and future generations.

An Invitation to You: Write an Opera- Inspired Haiku!

In celebration of National Poetry Month, I invite you to spark your creativity with a haiku—a classic form of Japanese poetry with just three lines in a 5-7-5 syllable structure. Use it to express a feeling, thought, or scene that might inspire an operatic moment.

Reflect on what themes resonate with you. What stories do you want to tell? What emotions do you wish to invoke? Your haiku could serve as a stepping stone toward a larger narrative, akin to the powerful collaborations we honor between poets and composers.

I encourage you to share your haikus in the comments below. Together, we can cultivate a community that celebrates the beautiful intersection of poetry and opera, where both can continuously inspire and elevate one another.

Embracing the Journey of Creativity

As we dive into the joy of National Poetry Month, I reflect on the vital connections between art forms that inspire us. The partnership between Amanda Gorman and Brian Field is a shining example of how poetry can invigorate opera, revealing the vast potential that exists when different mediums come together.

Let’s continue to explore the ways our beloved art forms can interact—through collaborations, experimental works, and the poetry we create ourselves. Whether you are a seasoned poet, a passionate opera fan, or curious about how these worlds intertwine, I invite you to engage in an ongoing conversation that celebrates creativity and expression.

Together, let us honor the poets, composers, and unique collaborations that are redefining the landscape of the arts.

A beautiful operatic stage set for an awe-inspiring performance.

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