Golem
chamber opera in two acts based on the Jewish legend (1988) - 95 mins. Premiere: June 28, 1989 London, Almeida Theatre (three performances), Conductor: Richard Bernas, Music Projects/London; Director: Pierre Audi; Costumes: Hildegard Bechtler; Stage design: Kyoji Takubo (five performances) Other productions:
fl (+ picc, alto), c.ang. cl(+ cl in A, b.cl, sop. sax, alto sax), hn, tn/1 perc/hp/str (10011), electronics (CD)
words and music by John Casken
libretto created in collaboration with Pierre Audi
One Act (Prelude and Legend).
Cast of characters:
Maharal (baritone), Golem (bass-baritone), Miriam (soprano), Ometh (countertenor), Stoikus (tenor), Gerty (mezzo-soprano), Stump (tenor), Jadek (baritone)
Recording: NMC D113
Commissioned by the Almeida Festival with funds provided by the Arts Council of Great Britain
Arts Council Contemporary Music Network, 1990 (10 performances)
Opera Omaha, USA, 1994 (three performances)
Opera Dortmund 1994 (four performances)
Opernbühne Berlin, (seven performances)
Aspen Music Festival, Colorado, 2000 (three performances)
Opéra Rennes, Nantes, Angers, 2006 (eleven performances)
Winner of The First Benjamin Britten Award for Music Composition 1990
Gramophone Award 1991 for Best Contemporary Recording
Published by Schott Music, Libretto ED 12379-1, Vocal/piano score ED 12379, performance material for hire
Audio clip: Prelude, Formed of ribs