“All of this is for the very best end.”
Remember, Nellie Forbush is a stone cold racist who ruins the lives of everyone she touches.
I think Candide is about my favorite Opera ever.
It has all the essential elements, naive ingenue led into misbehavior by ill counsel and a rebellious nature as her life spirals from bad to dead of a horrible wasting disease that enhances her radiant beauty and in no way diminishes her Tour de Force Aria as she gasps her last breath.
Oh, did I mention it’s entirely sarcastic and cynical?
I’d summarize but if you haven’t internalized the Voltaire you’ll find yourself at a Dreyfus disadvantage to those who have, just like being unfamiliar with Aesop.
Bernstein’s most complete score from the Scottish Opera via BBC in 1988.