Opera
Opera Adler – Berkeley Samuel Adler The Outcasts of Poker Flat Vocal and instrumental scores on hire 9780193370258 2fl (2/picc), 2ob, 2cl, 2bn, 2hn, 2tpt, timp/perc, str Dutchess/‘Mother Shipton’ mezzo-soprano Uncle Billy bass Mr Oakhurst baritone Innocent tenor Piney soprano Men's chorus The Outcasts of Poker Flat tells the tale of a mid-1800s Californian community where a secret society, feeling that the moral atmosphere of the town is in decline, determines that its ‘undesirable’ residents must be sent away. The three exiles – a professional poker player, a saloon girl and a suspected robber – meet with a pair of runaway lovers as they try to reach a safe camp beyond the mountain range. The ensuing – and ultimately unsuccessful – struggle to survive encompasses altruism, love and betrayal. Adapted by librettist Judah Stampfer from a short story by West American author Bret Harte. 60 minutes The Wrestler Vocal and instrumental scores on hire 9780193370302 2 fl (II+picc), ob, cl, bsn, hn, 2 tpt, 2 tbn, 2 perc, pno (+cel), org, str Jacob baritone Obediah, his servant bass-baritone Jacob’s wives: Rachel soprano and Leah mezzo-soprano Esau bass-baritone women's choir, men’s choir, children’s choir The Wrestler is an operatic interpretation of the biblical story of brothers Jacob and Esau, told from Jacob’s perspective. The action is staged from the point at which Esau’s army is approaching Jacob’s family, but also encompasses flashback scenes in which Jacob’s earlier life and deceptions are illustrated. The overarching theme is of reconciliation, not only between the two brothers but within Jacob himself following his ‘wrestling’ with the Angel, who in this interpretation is as much a psychological presence as a physical one. This musically challenging work is adapted from Genesis 32–33 by librettist Judah Stampfer, an ordained rabbi. 40 minutes Michael Berkeley Baa Baa Black Sheep Vocal and instrumental scores on hire 9780193352773 fl (+picc/alto fl), ob (+ca), cl (+bcl), bsn (cbsn), 2 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, perc, hp, pno, str Punch/Mowgli as a child treble Mowgli, as a young man baritone Judy mezzo-soprano Father, Father Wolf/Messua’s husband baritone Mother/Mother Wolf, Messua soprano Captain/Akela bass-baritone Auntirosa/Baldeo contralto Harry/Shere Khan tenor Bhini-in-the-Garden/Baloo bass-baritone Meeta/Bagheera bass-baritone Salaam-Captain-Sahib-Snake-Man/Ka tenor Priest tenor Drawing on both Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book and his autobiographical story Baa Baa Black Sheep, Berkeley’s opera layers the two narratives so as to create parallels between the cruel treatment of a young boy living in the human world and his fantastical adventures among the jungle animals. While he eventually achieves revenge, his story is ultimately a tragic one: by the time he has vanquished his greatest tormentor, he has sustained deep psychological damage. The libretto of this three-act opera is by David Malouf and offers a wide variety of solo roles. Most of the human characters have an animal counterpart, to be performed by the same singer. 120 minutes "The dramatic pacing is so sure. The vocal writing is intensively expressive, and at one or two key points startlingly lyrical. With this goes a vivid, sometimes riotously colourful orchestral score, often sharpedged and harmonically astringent, but allowing a few fleeting moments of near tonal warmth" - Stephen Johnson, The Independent - 10
For You Vocal and instrumental scores on hire 9780193359833 fl (+picc/alto fl), ob (+ca), cl (+bcl+Ebcl), bsn (+cbsn), hn, tpt, tbn, perc (+timp), hp, str Charles Frieth baritone Antonia, his wife soprano Robin, his assistant tenor Maria, his housekeeper mezzo-soprano Simon, Antonia’s doctor baritone Joan, a musician soprano This dramatic two-act work for soloists and chamber orchestra explores the tumultuous relationships in the household of a pre-eminent composer, driven by sexual and artistic obsession. Charles Frieth is a serial womaniser but nevertheless reacts with jealousy when he finds out that his wife Antonia, who suffers with poor health, is in love with her long-term doctor. The situation is complicated by his housekeeper Maria, who idolises Charles and believes that he returns her feelings. Charles resolves to change his ways but circumstances quickly unravel in a series of misunderstandings, ending with Antonia’s tragic death. Libretto by novelist and screenwriter Ian McEwan. 140 minutes "The music is energetic, deftly coloured and carefully balanced" - The Sunday Times - Jane Eyre Vocal and instrumental scores on hire 9780193352803 fl (+picc/alto fl), ob (+ca), cl, bsn, tpt, hn, tbn (+btbn), perc, hp, vln, vla, vc, db Jane Eyre soprano Adele soprano Mrs Fairfax mezzo-soprano Mrs Rochester contralto Mr Rochester bass Adapted from the latter part of Charlotte Brontë’s famous novel, this compact opera focuses on the events following Jane’s arrival at Thornfield Hall. Her burgeoning relationship with her employer Mr Rochester is interrupted by the revelation of his disturbed and violent incarcerated wife, but, although tragedy ensues, both Eyre and Rochester are ultimately able to find happiness. This opera has a libretto by David Malouf and its musical world is eclectic and wide-ranging, encompassing influences from both nineteenth- and twentieth-century opera. 84 minutes Opera Berkeley 11
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