Karen has already mentioned Dallapiccola "Il Prigioniero". I have seen this in an English translation "The Prisoner" and would highly recommend it for two main reasons. Firstly it is an excellent "way in" to the Italian serialist form, you will find it very different from Schoenberg / Berg. Most of the music is not strictly serial (although some of Dallapiccola is) and a strong lyrical sense comes through. Secondly, it is such a great drama, which is why I think it important to hear it in a language you understand fully. I don't think that surtitles would do as much justice to a piece like this.
I saw this performed at the London Colliseum, when the inside was being renovated. Bits of scaffolding were used as bars in the cells, and corridors within in the prison. It was amazingly effective. It was programmed with a staged version of Berio's "Folk Songs" and a "Street Theatre" style performance of school children to music by Nina Rota from Fellini's film "La Strada". It was a very different experience (and also audience) from the average night at the opera.
Colin Reed, tenor Newark, UK ----- Original Message ----- From: "Morgan Godfrey" <semplico_blu@y...> To: <vocalist-temporary@yahoogroups.com> Sent: 11 November 2002 21:49 Subject: [vocalist] One act Operas?
> Dear List, > Thank you all for you reply 's the last time I wrote > in. I have been given permission to direct a one act > opera this summer with the opera program here and the > only one act im familiar with is a Hand of Bridge by > Barber/Menotti Which is very good and I would do it > but we produced that opera last year. I tried > researching some at the library but alas our library > leaves much to be desired. so I was hoping for some > suggestions. Does anyone have any? Thanx so much! > Morgan > student at Stephen F. Austin State University > > __________________________________________________ > > > >
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