Porgy and Bess
Classification added June 6, 2016Premiered September 30, 1935
Boston. Colonial Theatre
Composer:
George Gershwin
Original Language:
English
Librettist:
DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Description:
Opera in III Acts
Notes:
Text based on the play “Porgy” by Dorothy and DuBose Heyward
Time Period:
1920s
Place:
Charleston, South Carolina USA
Classification key
- L – Leading
- F – Featured
- S – Supporting
- B – Solo Bit
- CB – Chorus Bit
- MB – Mute Bit
| Role | Voice Part | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Porgy | Bass-Baritone | L |
| Bess | Soprano | L |
| Crown | Baritone | L |
| Sporting Life | Tenor | L |
| Clara | Soprano | F |
| Jake | Baritone | F |
| Serena | Soprano | F |
| Maria | Contralto | F |
| Mingo | Tenor | S |
| Robbins | Tenor | S |
| Peter (the Honeyman) | Tenor | B |
| Jim | Baritone | B |
| Frazier | Baritone | B |
| Undertaker | Baritone | B |
| Annie | Mezzo-Soprano | B |
| Nelson | Tenor | B |
| Crab Man | Tenor | B |
| Detective | Speaking | B |
| Policeman | Speaking | B |
| Coroner | Speaking | B |
| Mr. Archdale | Speaking | B |
| Scipio (small boy) | Speaking | B |
| Strawberry Woman (Lily) | Mezzo-Soprano | B |
| Soprano Solo (Act I, sc. 2) | (For Each Solo) | CB |
| Baritone Solo (Act I, sc. 2) | (For Each Solo) | CB |
| linebreak | ||
| 1st Soprano Solo (Act II, sc. 4) | CB | |
| 2nd Soprano Solo (Act II, sc. 4) | CB | |
| Alto Solo (Act II, sc. 4) | CB | |
| Tenor Solo (Act II, sc. 4) | CB | |
| 1st Bass Solo (Act II, sc. 4) | CB | |
| 2nd Bass Solo (Act II, sc. 4) | CB |
Minimum Chorus: 24
Divisi: SATB