The Rake's Progress is an English opera in three acts and an epilogue by Igor Stravinsky. The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... This article is about opera as an art form. ... Igor Fyodorovitch Stravinsky (Russian: ) (June 17, 1882 – April 6, 1971) was a Russian-American composer of modern classical music. ...

The libretto was written by W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman based loosely on the paintings and engravings The Rakes Progress (1733–1735) of William Hogarth. It was first performed in Venice in 1951. Christopher Isherwood and W.H. Auden, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1939 Wystan Hugh Auden (February 21, 1907–September 29, 1973) was an English poet. ... Chester Kallman (7 January 1921 – 18 January 1975) was an American poet, librettist, and translator, best known for his collaborations with Igor Stravinsky Kallman was born in Brooklyn. ... Events February 12 - British colonist James Oglethorpe founds Savannah, Georgia. ... Events 16 April - The London premiere of Alcina by George Frideric Handel, his first the first Italian opera for the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. ... William Hogarth William Hogarth (November 10, 1697 – October 26, 1764) was a major British painter, engraver, pictorial satirist, and editorial cartoonist who has been credited as a pioneer in western sequential art. ... Venice is known for its waterways and gondolas Gondola. ... 1951 was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ...

The story concerns the decline and fall of one Tom Rakewell, who deserts Anne Trulove for the delights of London in the company of Nick Shadow, who turns out to be the Devil. After several misadventures, all initiated by the devious Shadow, Tom ends up in Bedlam. The moral of the tale is: "For idle hearts and hands and minds the Devil finds a work to do."

For the noteworthy 1975 Glyndebourne Festival production, sets and costumes were designed by David Hockney. 1975 was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ... Glyndebourne is a country house near Lewes in East Sussex, England. ... Two Figures by the Pool David Hockney (born July 9, 1937) is a British artist, based in California. ...

The Rake's Progress is part of the standard operatic repertoire. There are a several recordings of it, and it is occasionally performed. Famous operas arranged by composer. ...

Quotes

Shadow (goading Tom into further ridiculous behavior):

No eye his future can foretell

No law his past explain

Whom neither Passon may compel

Nor Reason can restrain.