What is your favorite American opera? Not musical, opera! I am trying to expand

Question:

What is your favorite American opera? Not musical, opera! I am trying to expand my repertoire!?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Check out Carlisle Floyd's "Susannah" or Douglas Moore's "The Ballad of Baby Doe." Interestingly enough, Susannah is written in an Appalachian dialect, so it is almost like it another language (the production I saw had super-titles, and they needed them). I also had the chance a few years ago to sing in the chorus of John Adam's "The Death of Klinghoffer." This is, perhaps the most controversial opera of the 20th century. Rather harsh, I must say: very difficult to sing. I also was lucky enough to sing in the chorus of one of the premier performances of Richard Danielpour's "Margret Garner," (Now being performed at the New York City Opera), another challenging work, both for subject matter and musical difficulty. Recently, I have been hearing music from Mark Adamo's "Little Women," as well. Some great moments in that one.

As far as a favorite, lets say "Baby Doe" ?thelred the Unready by Richard Wilson Porgy and Bess. Joe's Garage by Frank Zappa.

My be a rock opera, but an opera none the less. I agree with Swigara -- Both "The Ballad of Baby Doe" and "Susannah" are great American operas, although I'd have to go with "Susannah" as my favorite. "Nixon in China" by John Adams is also good, as is Aaron Copland's "The Tender Land." Others to try are John Corigliano's "The Ghosts of Versailles," Samuel Barber's "Vanessa," and Menotti's "The Medium."

Good for you for trying to expand your repertoire, and have fun listening! Does Bernstein's Candide count? I think he called it an opera...

I also love Amahl and the Night Visitors by Menotti (christmas story) and "The Dress" don't recall who wrote it but it was good too. Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie