The Challenge
Cynthia Sternau
About this work:
The Challenge dramatizes the infamous singing duel between the nine daughters of Pierus and the Muses. The story is based on the fifth book of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. It is the second opera in the trilogy A World Out of Time (Council of the Dead, The Challenge, Solon the Dreamer).
Dramatis Personae:
The Traveler--Tenor
Erica, one of the Nine Daughters of Pierus--Soprano
Calliope, one of the Nine Muse-- Soprano
Athena--Mezzo-soprano
The Other Daughters of Pierus--Chorus #1 (female)
The Other Muses (Clio, Euterpe, Thalia, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polyhymnia, Urania)--silent roles
Water Nymphs and Wood Spirits--Chorus #2 (mixed voices)
Version: 1
Year composed: 1996
Duration: 00:40:00
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:Chamber Opera, Two or More Singers
Instrumentation: ,2 Soprano soloist(s), ,1 Mezzo-Soprano soloist(s), ,1 Tenor soloist(s), ,3 S soloist(s), ,3 SS soloist(s), ,3 A soloist(s), ,3 AA soloist(s), ,3 T soloist(s), ,3 TT soloist(s), ,3 B soloist(s), ,3 BB soloist(s), ,1 Prerecorded Sound (Tape/CD/Other) soloist(s)
Instrumentation notes: Work is for soloists, chorus, and pre-recorded electronics (from CD or DAT).