Zabette
Curtis Bryant
About this work:
An opera in three acts. Libretto by Mary R. Bullard. Premiered by Georgia State University School of Music (Atlanta, 1999), directed by W. Dwight Coleman, conducted by Mark Street. The lead role of Zabette performed by Laura English-Robinson, soprano, with Dennis Jesse as Robert Stafford, Toni Anderson as Mme. Bernardey, Jeanné Brown as Marie-Jeanne and Uzee Brown as Mr. Letterlaw. Zabette is an opera based upon the true story of plantation owner Robert Stafford of Cumberland Island, Georgia and his mulato mistress Elizabeth Bernardey (Zabette). It is set during the years preceding and following the American Civil War.
Year composed: 1999
Duration: 02:15:80
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:Opera, More than One Act, with Chorus
Instrumentation: 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 2 Horn in F, 2 Trumpet, 1 Trombone, 1 Bass Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 1 Percussion (General), 1 Vibraphone, 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Double bass, 2 Soprano, 1 Mezzo-Soprano, 1 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 1 Bass, 1 S, 1 A, 1 T, 1 B
Instrumentation notes: Additional minor roles can be taken from chorus. Special percussion: African djun djun, shekere, 3 guiros.