Amistad
Roger Ames
About this work:
Based on the Amistad Incident, the first case re: slavery to go to the Supreme Court, the story of Amistad is thrilling. Singbe, an African prince, leads a revolt aboard the ship AMISTAD, and although they manage to take control of the ship, their lack of navigation skills leads them to come aground on the tip of Long Island, where they are re-captured and put on trial in Connecticut as 'property.' Roger Baldwin and John Quincy Adams come to their defense - and after appeal to the Supreme Court, the Africans are freed, largely due to the powerful testimony of Singbe, who ended his speech with the english phrase: "Give Us Free."
The music is tonal, accessible, but contains vocal extension and lyrical singing, both in the styles of African music and in contemporary music theater works.
Version: Grand Opera
Year composed: 1980
Duration: 02:15:80
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater
Instrumentation: 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 2 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 3 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 1 Bass Trombone, 3 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Strings (General)