Born January 9, 1839, Portland, Maine Died April 25, 1906, Cambridge, Massachussetts
About John Knowles Paine
While he was an influential figure in American music in general, Paine only wrote one opera, the title of which various sources give as "Azora," "Azara," or "Azra"; it has never been fully staged, although it has been said that a performance planned at the Met was cancelled due to the inability to find singers for the major roles who could sing in English.
Paine had a considerable impact on musical development in his time, as a composer, as an educator, and as the founder of the Harvard music department.
Operas
Azara Libretto by the composer. 1907, St. Cecilia Society, Boston (concert performance with full orchestra); 1903 (concert performance with piano accompaniment) [never fully staged]
at Amazon.com
