During intermission at a performance at the opera house, Augusta chides Horace for not acting according to his upper-class station in life. Horace sings 'It's a Bang Up Job' to the townspeople, praising his new opera house, and sharing his disenchantment with his wife Augusta. The story begins by commenting on the riches of the Matchless Mine and Horace Tabor's ownership and control over the whole town of Leadville, Colorado. 'Always Through the Changing' is a postscript ending foretelling Baby's death. The opera explores their lives from Horace and Baby Doe's meeting to the death of Horace.

Old Silver Miner Clerk at the Claredon Hotel Mayor of Leadville Stage Doorman Sam Bushy Two Washington DandiesĪdult Silver Dollar Emily Effie and Samanthaīouncer Albert Hotel Footman Denver Politician Barney Jacob Two Washington Dandiesīased on the lives of historical figures Horace Tabor, a wealthy mine owner his wife Augusta Tabor, and Elizabeth 'Baby' Doe Tabor. Further revisions were being considered, but these were abandoned upon the sudden death of Latouche. This revised version added the gambling scene in Act 2 and an additional aria for Baby Doe. The opera's New York premiere, directed by Vladimir Rosing, was presented at the New York City Opera in 1958. Hanya Holm and Edwin Levy directed the production, and sopranos Dolores Wilson and Leyna Gabriele alternated in the title role.

The opera's premiere took place at the Central City Opera in Colorado in 1956. Distinguished sopranos who have portrayed Baby Doe include Beverly Sills (Moore's favorite interpreter of the role), Ruth Welting, Karan Armstrong, Faith Esham, and Elizabeth Futral.

Especially famous are the title heroine's five arias: 'Letter Aria,' 'Willow Song,' 'I Knew it Was Wrong', 'Gold is a Fine Thing', and 'Always Through the Changing.' Horace Tabor's 'Warm as the Autumn Light' is also frequently heard. It is Moore's most famous opera and one of the few American operas to be in the standard repertory. The Ballad of Baby Doe is an opera by the American composer Douglas Moore that uses an English-language libretto by John Latouche.

The ballad of jane doe lyrics