Work Overview
This piece explores the journey Orpheus took through Hades and the eventual tragedy of losing Eurydice for a second time by turning to look at her.
The work's text has been devised from the original texts of the operas by Monteverdi and Gluck. My idea is to bring the original text from the older, outdated operas, and give the contemporary performer agency to interpret these words devoid of their original misogyny.
The choice of voices for the two soloists is open and flexible. They could be of any tessitura that fits within the notation (for example, a soprano or a tenor could sing voice 1 Orpheus). These could also be of any style, not necessarily from the classical tradition.
The staging of the work is also flexible. Ensemble 1 is on the stage, and Ensemble 2 should be positioned either behind the audience or far enough behind so tthat he effect of Eurydice appearing is surprising to them.
Work Details
Year: 2015
Instrumentation: 2 voices, flute, clarinet in A, harp, 2 violins, bass clarinet in B flat, percussion (bass drum, wooden wind chimes, small gong, small triangle, violin 3 (doubling viola).
Duration: 10 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Dedication note: Dedicated to Benjamin Northey
Commission note: Commissioned by Forest Collective.
First performance: by Forest Collective — May 15. Melbourne Recital Centre, VIC
Performances of this work
May 15: Melbourne Recital Centre, VIC. Featuring Forest Collective.
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