The History of The Rake's Progress

Jan 6, 2025

Premiering in 1951, The Rake’s Progress stands out not only for its unique blend of 18th-century influences with 20th-century sensibilities, but also for its complex narrative and rich symbolism.

The opera was directly inspired by a series of 18th-century engravings by British artist William Hogarth, also titled A Rake's Progress. Between 1732 and 1734, Hogarth published the series of eight narrative engravings serving as a moral tale warning against the perils of excess and moral decay, themes that resonated strongly with the social climate of 18th-century England.

Hogarth was deeply inspired by the burgeoning consumer culture and the rise of the middle class in Georgian England. As a social satirist, he sought to expose the moral pitfalls and hypocrisy of those who, like his protagonist Tom Rakewell, attempted to emulate the aristocracy without the means or the moral foundation to do so. The influence of traditional morality plays and the genre of "modern moral subjects" shaped Hogarth's approach, blending narrative art with sharp social commentary.

Upon its release, A Rake's Progress was highly popular and widely admired for its detailed storytelling and biting wit. The series struck a chord with the public, who were fascinated by the cautionary tale. The engravings became particularly well-known, spreading Hogarth's fame beyond the art world to a broader audience, solidifying Hogarth’s reputation as a leading artist and social commentator, and establishing a new genre of art that combined narrative with moral lessons.

Composer Igor Stravinsky first saw these artworks at a Chicago exhibition in 1947 and was captivated by the story of the young Rakewell's descent into ruin. This visual narrative served as the perfect foundation for an opera's plot.

Aldous Huxley, the famous writer, suggested to Stravinsky that he collaborate with poet W.H. Auden to craft the libretto. Auden's involvement, along with Chester Kallman, added layers of literary depth, transforming the original moralistic tale into a more nuanced exploration of themes like free will, love, and the consequences of one's choices. Stravinsky was deeply involved in the creation of the libretto and famously critiqued it during the opera's development. He insisted on revisions that would ensure the text matched his musical vision, emphasizing clarity, brevity, and a balance between the poetic and the dramatic.

Although The Rake's Progress is often seen as a pastiche of Mozart’s operas, particularly Don Giovanni, it also incorporates elements from other classical composers like Rossini and Verdi. Despite these influences, Stravinsky’s composition remains distinctively modern, employing tonal and harmonic complexities that set it apart from its inspirations, though the work marks his last major composition in the neoclassical style.

Initially, some critics dismissed the opera as merely a nostalgic pastiche. However, by the late 1970s, The Rake's Progress was recognized as a significant work, celebrated for its ability to balance homage to the past with innovative modernism. This was mostly credited to a new production of the opera at Glyndebourne which featured groundbreaking set and costume designs by British artist David Hockney.

Hockney’s vibrant and surreal visual style brought a modern and visually striking dimension to the opera. His designs, inspired by Hogarth’s paintings and the opera's neoclassical aesthetic, used bold colors and abstract forms to create a unique visual language that complemented Stravinsky’s music. Hockney’s work on this opera remains one of the most celebrated examples of innovative stage design.

The visual and narrative style of The Rake's Progress has had a lasting influence on both stage and screen. The opera’s blend of dark humor, moral lessons, and vivid characterizations can be seen in various film and theater productions. Notably, director Peter Sellars’ 1983 production of The Rake's Progress set in 1950s America brought a modern, cinematic sensibility to the opera, making it accessible to contemporary audiences and highlighting its timeless themes.

Today, The Rake's Progress stands as a testament to ingenuity, artistry, and the ability to bridge the past with the present. From its literary and artistic inspirations to its innovative musical style, this opera continues to resonate with audiences today.

Photos:
Hogarth, A Rake's Progress. Plate 5. Marries an Old Maid.
The Rake’s Progress first performance. Teatro La Fenice, Venice, Italy. 1951.
The Rake’s Progress, Glyndbourne.
The Rake’s Progress, Metropolitan Opera. 2021.

Search Blog

Search by year