The Tender Land
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The Tender Land is an opera by Aaron Copland (libretto by Horace Everett, a pseudonym for Erik Johns), about a farm family in the Midwest of the United States. Copland was inspired to write this opera after viewing the Depression-era photographs of Walker Evans. The story follows Laurie, the high-school senior daughter of the Moss family, as she decides how best to live her life. It was composed between 1952 and 1954 as a made-for-television opera. It was rejected by the television producers and later had its premiere on April 1, 1954 at the New York City Opera, where it was conducted by Thomas Schippers, directed by Jerome Robbins, and included the young Norman Treigle in the cast.
[edit] Roles
Laurie Moss, young girl graduating from high school- Soprano
Grandpa- Bass
Ma- Mezzo-Soprano
Martin, itinerant worker, Laurie's love interest
Tap, Itinerant worker
Mr. Splinters
Beth, Laurie's sister