The Met Opera’s magic behind ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’
The world of opera and literature often intersects in unexpected and breathtaking ways, and the upcoming collaboration between composer and pianist Missy Mazzoli and author George Saunders is a perfect example of this synergy.
When the artistic pairing sought to bring Saunders’ celebrated 2017 novel, Lincoln in the Bardo, to the operatic stage, the creative process was marked by immediate enthusiasm.
The enthusiasm was palpable, especially from the author himself, George Saunders. Ahead of the production’s world premiere, Saunders shared his perspective on the project, highlighting the ease with which the collaboration began.
He noted that when Missy Mazzoli reached out to him to secure the rights for this ambitious adaptation, there was hardly any doubt in her mind. Saunders recounted the moment, describing the request as a simple, heartfelt agreement.
“It was basically me saying, ‘Oh yes, please,’” Saunders told Vogue, reflecting the joyful acceptance of this unique artistic journey.
This spontaneous agreement underscores the powerful connection between the creators and the story they sought to translate. It suggests that the vision for Lincoln in the Bardo resonated deeply, making the leap from prose to performance an obvious and exciting step.
The project promises to be more than just a musical translation; it is poised to be a profound exploration of Saunders’ narrative, demonstrating how literary depth can transform into a truly moving operatic experience.
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