Question

In the history of American opera, what was 'Porgy and Bess' the first to do?

A) Incorporate jazz and blues influences into opera
B) Use an all African-American cast
C) Introduce a non-linear narrative structure
D) Feature an ensemble of solo voices rather than a traditional chorus

Answer 1

'Porgy and Bess' was the first American opera to use an all African-American cast, integrating jazz and blues influences into the classical opera form and reflecting the cultural shifts during the Harlem Renaissance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the history of American opera, 'Porgy and Bess' was significant for being the first to use an all African-American cast. This was a groundbreaking choice, as 'Porgy and Bess' incorporated the music and phrases of jazz and the blues, both of which resonated with the Harlem Renaissance and reflected the life experiences of the African-American community. The use of a completely African-American cast embraced authenticity and diversity in a period when such representation in mainstream arts was a rarity.

The opera integrated the richness of African American culture into its narrative, and the initiative to have a cast composed solely of African Americans resulted from and contributed to dynamic cultural shifts in the United States. At the time of its premiere, the work also distinguished itself by reflecting the experiences and musical styles of the African American population within the classical framework of opera.