The Juniper Tree
THE
JUNIPER TREE (1985)
co-composed with Philip Glass
Libretto by Arthur Yorinks
Commissioned by American Repertory Theater
Cambridge, MA.
[Because of the incredible success of THE JUNIPER TREE, with many companies
requesting rights to performances, Philip Glass and his own publisher, Dunvagen,
have refused to allow its availability, its future performances, and its
recording, although both RCA/BMG and London Records have both requested rights
to this.]
The chamber opera of about 80 minutes duration uses a chamber ensemble of
minimum woodwinds, brass, strings, harp, percussion and two synthesizers.
The
small cast and other required resources have made this opera a perfect
vehicle for opera companies throughout the USA and Europe.
THE JUNIPER TREE was given its world premiere (and 32 performances) via the
American Repertory Theater, 1985-86; it has been performed by Houston Grand
Opera, by the American Music Theater Festival in Philadelphia, by Minnesota
Opera, and Tulsa Opera; a production in Germany had great public success.
THE
JUNIPER TREE
an opera in two acts
Music by
Robert Moran and Philip Glass
Text by
Arthur Yorinks
based upon the tale by Grimm
The Husband...............................Lyric Baritone
His Wife.........................................Lyric Soprano
The Son/The Juniper Bird............Boy Soprano
The Step-mother........................Mezzo-soprano
Her Daughter...........................................Soprano
The Goldsmith...............................................Bass
The Cobbler............................................Baritone
The Miller....................................................Tenor
Village Folk................................................Chorus
Mama Bird................................................Soprano
Baby Birds................................Children's voices
Orchestra:
flute/piccolo, clarinet/bass clarinet, bassoon
horn, trumpet, trombone
2 violins, viola, cello, string bass
harp, percussion
2 keyboard synthesizers, celeste