John Adams’ opera Doctor Atomic puts a human dimension on the origins of the atomic bomb, and refocuses attention on nuclear weapons, which still constitute a clear and present danger to humanity. The opera is very powerful. The libretto is largely taken from contemporary historical documents, some recently declassified, along with some poetry. Doctor Atomic is J. Robert Oppenheimer. The music is effective, although the score is difficult; I managed to get a full score on loan to study. The staging is riveting. I saw the original opera in San Francisco and again recently at the Metropolitan Opera in NY. An HD film of the opera has been made for showing at selected theatres. If the opera comes your way, it is an opportunity that should not be missed.
There is now an excellent DVD available, pictured at left.
A great new PBS “Independent Lens” documentary on the opera and the history has appeared. See http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/wondersaremany/
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