program note
Opera, Musical Comedy and Social Commentary
Letter from playwright Lillian Hellman to composer Leonard Bernstein as they began the creative journey of Candide
Lennie dear, This time I think I have it. I don’t know, but maybe Voltaire’s Candide. I think it could make a really wonderful combination of opera-prose-songs. It’s so obviously right that I wonder nobody has done it before, or have they? I am very excited by it, but I want to read it two or three times more, think about it, and not decide until — Anyway please reread it quickly and let me know what you think, if you are free when you come back, etc. I think done right, it could have real style and wit, and great importance. Write quick. Much love to you, Lillian
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