Composer: Joseph Phibbs
Performer: Zoe Drummond, Rebecca Afonwy-Jones, Felix Kemp, Nova Music Opera Ensemble
Conductor: George Vass
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Resonus
Catalogue: RES10290
Release: 2022
Size: 1.34 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Juliana
01. Scene 1: Evening Light Outside
02. Scene 2: Light Fading Outside
03. Scene 3: Twilight Outside
04. Scene 4: Darkness Outside
05. Dance Sequence
06. Scene 5: Moonlight From The Patio
07. Interlude
08. Scene 6: The Night Is Serene
09. Scene 7: The Serenity Of The Night Returns
10. Scene 8: Daylight Strengthens
11. Scene 9: Reality Dawns
12. Scene 10: Daylight Strengthens
13. Scene 11: Retribution Threatens
14. Scene 12: Daylight Brightens
15. Scene 13: Morning Light
Based on August Strindberg’s celebrated 1888 play Miss Julie, chamber opera Juliana (2018) unites composer Joseph Phibbs and librettist Laurie Slade in a modern tale about the power of money, immigration politics, drugs and the blurring of sexual boundaries. In confronting these issues head-on, the power of aristocracy is replaced by that of plutocracy.
Strindberg’s Count, an unseen but malevolent presence, becomes the Boss, a multi-millionaire businessman. Julie becomes Juliana, a spoilt little rich girl in thrall to her father. Jean becomes Juan, an immigrant servant, his status insecure. Juliana and Juan live on the edge emotionally. Kerstin, the housekeeper, is caught in a triangular conflict with them both. Conductor George Vass and the Nova Music Opera Ensemble, are joined by Zoe Drummond (Juliana), Rebecca Afonwy-Jones (Kerstin) and Felix Kemp (Juan) in the world premiere recording of this wonderful and very poetic (contemporary) work.