Good morning Appalachian Vibes friends, this is the Appalachian Vibes mini episode for the Bluebeard segment (S2E19) from my interview with Steven White, the creative director and conductor for Opera Roanoke. 

Bluebeard's Castle is a “Halloween” opera by Bella Bartok. It's a one-act expressionist opera, the libretto was written by Bela Balazas, a Hungarian composer and poet. Bluebeard's castle is a frightening tale about Duke Bluebeard who takes a fourth wife, Judith. Upon bringing her home to his castle, she notices it's a very scary place to be. Dark, cold, damp, dreary and she also notices the presence of 7 doors. 7 doors that are forbidden for her to open. Of course her curiosity peaks and she demands to see what is behind them. They are married after all. Bluebeard acquiesces and allows her to open each door one by one. Behind each door is one tragic experience after another. By door 7, Judith had discovered the true nature of her husband, but it was too late.