Golem (Casken opera)

Last updated
Golem
Chamber opera by John Casken
LibrettistThe composer, with Pierre Audi
LanguageEnglish
Premiere
18 June 1989 (1989-06-18)

"Golem" is a chamber opera created by John Casken, an English composer, in collaboration with Pierre Audi, a French-Lebanese theatre director. Casken wrote both the music and the libretto for the opera. It premiered at the Almeida Theatre in London on 18 June 1989. The opera was published by Schott and received subsequent performances and a recording.

Contents

History

Golem is a chamber opera by English composer John Casken. It was commissioned by the Almeida Festival. The libretto is by the composer and was created in collaboration with French-Lebanese theatre director Pierre Audi. [1] The opera was premiered at the Almeida Theatre in London on 18 June 1989. It was published by Schott Music. [2]

Since its premiere, Golem had six further productions by Northern Stage/Northern Sinfonia in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK (1991), at the Opernhaus Dortmund (1994) and in Berlin (2001) in Germany, in Omaha (1990) and Aspen (2000) in the US, and a touring production of Rennes, Quimper, Nantes and Angers in France (2006). [1] [2]

Roles and scoring

The roles and their voice types are as follows: [2]

The instrumental ensemble consists of: flute (doubling alto flute, piccolo), cor anglais, clarinet (doubling bass clarinet), soprano saxophone (doubling alto saxophone), horn, trombone, percussion (one player), harp, violin, cello, double bass and electronic tape. [2]

Synopsis

The opera is in two parts: Part 1: Prelude, Part 2: Legend (in 5 scenes). A performance lasts approximately 95 minutes. [2] The libretto is based on the traditional story from Jewish folklore of the golem, a figure made of clay or mud, brought to life by a magician in order to be the magician's servant, but who eventually becomes violent and has to be destroyed.

Awards

The opera was the recipient of the first Britten Award for Composition in 1990. [4]

Recordings

Virgin Classics - Adrian Clarke (Maharal), John Hall (Golem), Patricia Rozario (Miriam), Christopher Robson (Ometh), Paul Wilson (Stoikus), Richard Morris (Jadek), Paul Harrhy (Stump), Mary Thomas (Gerty), Music Projects/London, conducted by Richard Bernas (recording subsequently re-issued on the NMC label). [3]

The recording won the 1991 Gramophone Classical Music Award for Best Contemporary Recording. [1] [2]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "John Casken, The Fuller Picture". johncasken.com. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Golem". Schott Music . Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  3. 1 2 John Casken (1990) liner notes for Virgin Classics recording
  4. Harewood, Earl of (2000). The New Kobbé's Opera Book. Ebury Press. p.  149. ISBN   0-09-181410-3.