A Village Romeo and Juliet

Libretto by the composer, after Gottfried Keller's 'Die Leute von Seldwyla' (G,E)

Major roles: S,T,3Bar; minor roles: 5S,3A,3T,5Bar,2B; chorus;
3(III=picc).3.corA.3.bcl.3.dbn-6.3.3.1-timp.perc:tam-t/bells/cyms/
tgl/xyl/glsp-2harp-strings;
On-stage: 6hn.2crt.2trbn-perc:SD/steel plates/church bells-organ-vln

Seldwyla, Switzerland, mid-19th century

Sali and Vrenchen (Vreli), son and daughter respectively of the farmers Manz and Marti, play together one September morning on a wild plot of land. The mysterious Dark Fiddler – rightful owner of this disputed piece, but illegitimate, and therefore without legal rights – appears and warns the children that it must not be tilled. Manz and Marti argue over the land and end their children's relationship. Six years later, at Marti's now dilapidated house, Sali and Vrenchen have arranged to meet: a lawsuit over the land has ruined both farmers. Sali persuades Vrenchen to meet him on the wild land, where the Dark Fiddler appears once more and invites them to join him; in any case, he says, they will meet again. Marti comes upon them and drags Vrenchen away. Sali tries to prevent him and knocks him down. Marti loses his mind, and is put away in an asylum. Sali returns to see Vrenchen at her house, which is to be sold. They declare their love and decide to run off together. Amidst the bustle of a local fair they buy rings. Sali mentions a rundown inn – the Paradise Garden – where they can dance all night, and they set off. They find the Dark Fiddler and some vagabonds drinking at a table. He greets them and suggests they follow him into the mountains. Instead they decide to die together. They climb aboard a hay barge and Sali removes the plug from the bottom of the boat as it moves off.

Poetic, Romantic, Tragic