Best of all possible worlds

In the wind ensemble I am in playing in we are performing the Overture to Candide.  Candide was originally a satire written by Voltaire.  In it the characters are subjected to terrible misfortunes but are led to believe that this world is the "best of all possible worlds."  This comes from a kind of philosophical optimism, which tells us that in all possible incarnations of the world that we live in, this particular one that we are living in is the best one. 

Candide, the hero, is a student of Pangloss, the philosopher.  Candide has grown up in a sheltered society and is unaware of the evil in the world.  The story goes from after Candide leaves home and we see him grow slowly more and more disillusioned with the realities of life.  In the end, he learns that he must create his own best possible world, because the world won't give it to him. 

In 1956, American composer Leonard Bernstein composed music to turn the story into an operetta.  The libretto (a libretto is the text used in a musical work, such as an opera or musical) was done first in 1956, but a newer version of the libretto was written in 1974.  The later libretto stayed closer to the main themes of the story and is the one we see today.

The music is wonderful.  The showstopper Glitter and Be Gay is a fantastic example of coloratura soprano work.  Coloratura soprano style is virtuosic, agile, and uses lots of large leaps and shows off the singers range and skills. 

There are so many good things about this musical.  It may be the best of all possible musicals...