OPERA SEARCH
Gomorra
(1990-91)Libretto by Richard Bletschacher (G)
major roles: S,M,dramT,2T,Bar,dramB,B,2 speakers,silent role
minor roles: min.4(SATB), max.20 (5S,5A,5T,5B) can be drawn from chorus
chorus; dancers; actors; 2(I,II=picc).2.2(II=bcl,Ebcl).tsax(=asax).2(II=dbn)-
3.2.2.1-timp(=Chin.cym*/cowbells*/t.bells*).perc(2):glsp*/t.bells/
SD/BD/5tom-t/2susp.cym/hi-hat/3cowbells/Chin.cym/splash cym/2 bongos/
tamb/whip/crowcall/minimum of 4 musical boxes with stopping devices/wind machine/paper bag/Javanese gong in E/lg drum*/lg Chin.tam-t*/sizzle cym/large metal petrol can/
sm Chin.tam-t/glsp*/xylorimba/vib/marimba/chromatic cowbells*/cyms/tamb/vibraslap/
swing rattle/tgl/lion's roar/cast/flexatone/large drum*/large Chin.tam-t*/minimum of 4 musical boxes with stopping devices/crowcall/lg thundersheet/whip/sandpaper blocks/guiro/large metal petrol can/rattle-pft(=synth)-elec.bass gtr-strings (min.10.10.6.4.4)
* Percussion instruments that can be shared between players.
Orchestral musicians also play additional instruments, including mouth-organs, swanee whistles and large metal petrol cans
Pre-recorded tape: speaker with megaphone-picc.cl-2.2.1.1-perc(2): SD/large drum/cyms
Toy instruments (excl. oil cans) available on hire with materials
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
Volksoper, Wien
Mike Fields, director
Conductor: HK Gruber
Company: Volksoper Wien
| THE REPRESENTATIVE of a higher power | Silent role |
| GOSCHEK, the presenter | Tenor |
| ROCHUS GERWALT, the fire officer | Heldenbaritone |
| VALENTINA, his daughter | Mezzo-Soprano |
| AUGUSTIN, a freelance writer for the 'Public Opinion' newspaper | Baritone |
| FLITZER, a photographer for 'Public Opinion' | Tenor |
| MUELLER-MACHENSCHAFFT, chief editor of 'Public Opinion' | Bass |
| HILARIUS, an arsonist | Tenor |
| GWENDOLIN | Soprano |
| NOTBURGA, manager of a rest cure home | Spoken role |
| AN OLD WOMAN | Spoken role |
| 4 callers | |
| 4 fire lighters | |
| 4 envoys | |
| 4 fire officers | |
| 4 spongers | |
| Citizens of Gomorra | Chorus (SATB) |
The city of Gomorra
The city of Gomorra is visited by the Representative of a Higher Power. The authorities try to create for him a picture of possessions peacefully enjoyed. But a group of pyromaniacs take advantage of the spectacular occasion to bring into the open their opposition to the oppressive regime of the Fire Brigade. The city is first set alight and then flooded, whereat the Representative of the Higher Power escapes in a helicopter. A young couple, Augustin and Gwendolyn, are too wrapped up in each other to pay much attention to public affairs. Like invulnerable sleepwalkers, they alone escape the general destruction.
Richard Bletschacher
Comic, Romantic
Heinz Karl Gruber / London MOB Ensemble
EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 56441 21