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Music Text

Libretto by David Henry Hwang

Scoring

voices: 2s.a.2t.2bar.b;women's chorus

orchestra: 3(I=picc; II=picc,afl; III=picc,afl).1(=corA).2(II=bcl).1(=dbn)-2.2.1.0-perc(3):glsp/vib/mar/t.bells; thundersheet/3tam-t/anvil/shaker; 3cajons/quinto/conga/palmas-2gtr-pft(=cel).computer-based sampler-harp-strings

TECH REQUIREMENTS: High quality sound reinforcement system in stereo (e.g. DV-DOSC), w/ stereo subwoofers and delays available; Console: Yamaha DM2000, PM1D or M7CL w/ 24 mic inputs (DM2000 is the preferred console); 8 Sennheiser SK50 transmitter w/ DPA 4066 Omni directional Headband Mic, Model 3532 receivers; 10 High quality cardioid small diaphragm condenser mics (e.g. Neumann KM-140); 1 AKG 414; 2 Shure SM 58; 1 Shure SM 57; 6 stage monitor wedges; 3 personal monitors w/ volume control (hot spot or anchor); Conductor video camera w/ monitor for offstage trumpets

This work requires additional technological components and/or amplification.

Abbreviations (PDF)

Opera
For full details on this stagework, including synopsis and roles, please visit our Opera section.
Publisher

Boosey & Hawkes (Hendon Music)

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

Availability

World Premiere
8/11/2003
Tanglewood, Lenox, MA
Dawn Upshaw, soprano / Kelley O'Connor, alto / Amanda Forsythe, soprano / Charles Blandy, tenor; flamenco cantaor / Shannon De Vine, baritone / Vocal Fellows from the Tanglewood Music Center / Chay Yew, director
Press Quotes

"[Ainadamar] is Golijov's masterpiece, destined to be among the great musical achievements of our time." —Pierre Ruhe, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The melodies shiver with erotic intervals and scales; bittersweet half-steps weep with sun-drenched nostalgia and the soul of Spain. Arias of languid beauty are interrupted by exuberant outbursts of rhythm, orchestral color and violence. The inventive orchestration finds room for the improvisatory wail of an authentic flamenco singer, guitars and a heart-stopping passage of rhythmically layered gunshots.…this is an opera that deserves a place in the repertory—immediately." —Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press

“With a score full of references like Poulenc’s Dialogue of the Carmelites, Puccini’s Suor Angelica, Verdi’s Aida, and Wagner’s Das Rheingold intertwined with tape-looped gunfire, water droplets, mechanistic drones, and broadcasts, Golijov has achieved something monumental. A living, breathing, seeing art which stems from life and which has the ability to reflect across time and space.” —Opera Wire

Subjects
Recommended Recording
cd_cover

Ainadmar - Fountain of Tears
Dawn Upshaw / Jessica Rivera / Jesus Montoya / Atlanta Symphony Orchestra / Robert Spano
© 2006 Deutsche Grammophon

Click here to purchase this album from Deutsche Grammophon.

Links

Listening
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