[Part 2 of The Oresteia Project]
The Libation Bearers (2001-04)
opera in one act on Aeschylus’ Choephoroi, 75 minutes
Libretto by Sarah B. Ferrario (trans. from the ancient Greek)
Synopsis
Orestes, son of Agamemnon, returns to Argos and kills his mother Klytemnestra to avenge his father’s murder at her hands.
Instrumentation
flute, oboe, violin, viola, cello, piano, 1 percussion
Cast of Characters
Orestes, son of Agamemnon (tenor)
Elektra, sister of Orestes (soprano)
Klytemnestra, queen of Argos (mezzo-soprano)
Nurse (mezzo-soprano)
Aegisthus, cousin of Agamemnon (tenor)
Pylades, friend of Orestes (baritone)
Slave (bass)
Chorus Leader (mezzo-soprano)
SSAA Chorus
Chorus, "Hear Us, O Gods". Film by Nicholas Ferrario. Jeff Reuther, Orestes; Sibylla (chorus); Catholic University Opera Theater. March 2004
Listen
We Have Come Bringing Libations
A Baby Cannot Speak
Hear Us, O Gods Who Are Our Allies
Performers: Kristin Green, mezzo-soprano, Sibylla, Catholic University Opera Theater