Agamemnon
Andrew Earle Simpson
About this work:
"Agamemnon" is an opera in one act and eight scenes, based very faithfully on the ancient Greek tragedy of Aeschylus.
The opera tells the story of King Agamemnon of Argos, the leader of the victorious Greek armies in the Trojan War, who returns triumphantly to his home only to be murdered there by his wife, Klytemnestra, who is in collusion with the usurper Aegisthus.
The tragedy "Agamemnon" is the first of a trilogy of tragedies, together called the "Oresteia," Aeschylus' great masterpiece of vengeance, betrayal, and justice.
The opera "Agamemnon" is also the first of a projected trilogy, setting all three tragedies of Aeschylus' cycle. The second opera, "The Offerings," based on Aeschylus' "The Libation Bearers," was completed in spring 2002.
With a duration of roughly 95 minutes in duration, the operatic "Agamemnon" is structured as a number opera, with distinct arias, choruses, and recitative sections.
What is distinctive about this "Agamemnon" is its concern with setting the plot, order of events, linguistic expression, and dramatic curve of the ancient tragedy as faithfully as possible.
"Agamemnon"'s English libretto has been translated by librettist Sarah B. Ferrario directly from Aeschylus' ancient Greek, thereby assuring very great fidelity to the original drama.
The opera features six principal roles: Klytemnestra, dramatic soprano; Kassandra, high soprano; Agamemnon, baritone; Aegisthus, tenor; Herald, bass-baritone; Watchman, tenor. An SATB chorus features five choral soloists: a Chorus Leader (S or T) and a solo SATB quartet.
In addition, dancers are envisioned as an integral part of the opera's production, and such are being employed in the work's university premiere production at Catholic University in Washington, DC, in April 2003.
The orchestration is: 2 fl (II dbls. pc)/2 ob (II dbls. EH)/2 cl/2 bn (II dbls. cbn)
2/2/2/1 hp/kybd (hpschd, org, cel), 2 perc, st (at least 6/5/4/3/2)
"Agamemnon" was workshopped in a chamber version in April 2001 at Catholic University, and was enthusiastically received. Some revisions were made, and the orchestral version is receiving its first production in three performances April 25-27, 2003, in Hartke Theatre at Catholic University, Washington, DC.
A website (in development) gives more detailed information about the music of the opera, a synopsis, the text of the libretto, production and rehearsal photos, personnel, and much additional information.
The web address for the site is
music.cua.edu/agamemnon
Version: Full Orchestral
Year composed: 2003
Duration: 01:30:45
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:One-Act Operas
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 1 Contrabassoon, 2 Horn in F, 2 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 2 Percussion (General), 1 Xylophone, ,1 Electric/Electronic Keyboard soloist(s), 11 Violin,2 Violin soloist(s), 4 Viola, 3 Cello,1 Cello soloist(s), 2 Double bass, 1 Harp, ,2 Soprano soloist(s), ,2 Tenor soloist(s), ,1 Baritone soloist(s), ,1 Bass-Baritone soloist(s), ,1 High Voice soloist(s), 5 S,1 S soloist(s), 5 A,1 A soloist(s), 5 T,1 T soloist(s), 1 B,1 B soloist(s)
Instrumentation notes: Flute II doubles piccolo; Oboe II doubles English Horn. Trumpets in C.
One keyboard player on a synthesizer can play parts for organ, harpsichord, and celesta, since they do not play simultaneously. If space permits, the use of three acoustic instruments is preferable.
The percussion setup includes three gongs, of indeterminate tuning, low-medium-high.
Cello bows are needed by both players for use on suspended cymbals.