Seijo
Stan Hoffman
About this work:
The libretto is based on an ancient Chinese story that became the basis for a Zen koan or "teaching riddle." The theme is the quest for spiritual integration. A young girl, Seijo, and her cousin, Ochu, desire to marry. Her father has other plans, precipitating the lovers’ unpremeditated elopement. Returning years later seeking reconciliation, Seijo confronts the self she left behind (played by a dancer). The koan, "Which is the real Seijo?" is not answered even by the merging of the two. The audience is left with a sense of upliftedness and wonder.
The music blends both eastern and western influences—Western classical and operatic music, Javanese and Balinese gamelan, Buddhist chanting, and other influences synthesized into a fresh, accessible sound world.
Version: 2003
Year composed: 2003
Duration: 01:19:54
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:Chamber Opera, Two or More Singers
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Clarinet, 2 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Double bass, 1 Soprano, 1 Tenor, 1 Baritone
Instrumentation notes: Flute double piccolo and alto flute; clarinet doubles Eb clarinet and bass clarinet; percussion includes marimba, vibraphone, temple blocks, alm glocken, crotales, flower pots, bass drum, tom toms; one dancer also required.