The Double Axe (2019)

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I have come bringing libations

Program Notes

The Double Axe is a one-hour concert suite of highlights from the operatic trilogy based on Aeschylus’ ancient Greek Oresteia (Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, The Furies).  Together with librettist/translator Sarah B. Ferrario, we created and produced three full contemporary one-act operas which remained faithful to the ancient text (although with many cuts) as part of a larger artistic and scholarly enterprise known as The Oresteia Project.  Each opera was produced at Catholic University between 2001-2006, and several works (Klytemnestra Songs, Mother’s Blood, Agamemnon Suite, Seeds of Vengeance) have since been created drawing on music from the trilogy.

Synopsis

Victorious Agamemnon returns to Argos from the Trojan War and is killed by Queen Klytemnestra.  She is avenging their daughter Iphigenia’s sacrifice at Agamemnon’s hands ten years before.  Afterward, Orestes, the exiled son of Agamemnon and Klytemnestra, returns home secretly to Argos.  Reunited with his sister Elektra, he and his friend Pylades, with the help of the household slaves, murder Klytemnestra. Orestes is then pursued by the Furies, terrible gods who take vengeance on those who kill blood relatives.  

Orestes takes refuge in Athens, where he is protected by Apollo.  Athena determines that a trial shall be held to decide Orestes’ fate.  The Furies, as prosecutors, demand his blood as their due; Apollo, the defense attorney, argues that Orestes acted on his command and should be spared.  Athena, the presider, breaks the tied jury vote in favor of Orestes.  She placates the enraged Furies by promising them honor and sanctuary in her city of Athens.  The Furies change into “Eumenides” (kindly ones), and accept their honor in Athens.  The final chorus escorts the Eumenides to their new home.  The cycle, which began with vendetta and vengeance, closes with the triumph of justice and reason. 

Part I: Agamemnon
Prologue (instrumental)
Arioso: Joy More Great than Hope (Klytemnestra)
Aria: Troy is Fallen (Klytemnestra)
Chorus: Hail, Agamemnon! (SATB Citizens of Argos)
Aria: Troy is Conquered (Agamemnon)
Aria: A Woman Abandoned (Klytemnestra)
Aria: The Sea is There (Klytemnestra)
Scena: Lies! (Klytemnestra, Chorus)
Chorus: O My King

Part II: The Libation Bearers
Scena: You who Guide the Dead (Orestes, SSA Chorus of Slaves)
Scena and Duet: O Beloved Treasure (Elektra, Orestes)
Chorus: Hear us, O Gods
Scena: Orestes Kills his Mother (Orestes, Klytemnestra, Pylades)
Scena: Orestes see the Furies (Orestes, Chorus)

Part III: The Furies
Scena: You sleep! You have no pity! (Ghost of Klytemnestra, SSAA Chorus of Furies)
Chorus: Mother’s Blood Moves Me
Aria: I Heard your Cry (Athena)
Scena: Let Good Things Come (Chorus, Athena)
Choral Finale: Go to your Homes (Athena, SATB Chorus of Athenian Citizens)

—Andrew Earle Simpson