Die dunkle Seite des Mondes

Libretto by the composer, with the co-operation of Kerstin Schüssler-Bach (G)

2S,CT,2T,Bar,BBar; mixed chorus;
3(II=picc,III=afl).2(II=corA).3(II=Ebcl,III=bcl).2(II=dbn)-4.3.2.btrbn.1-perc(4):I+II=xyl/vib/glsp/tub.chime/waterphone/cym(med)/pair of cyms(lg)/2tam-t(med,lg)/mark tree/sistrum/flex/tgl/tamb/whip/guiro/sand box/maracas/4gong; III+IV=crot/bass marimba/3timp/dobaci(lg)/cym(lg)/pair of cyms/tamb(sm)/tgl/guiro/BD/SD(lg)/3tom-t/thunder sheet(lg)-harp-pft(=cel)-accordion-strings;
on-stage: accordion-db

Dr. Kieron is a brilliant scientist, respected and feared by his colleagues. But what nobody suspects is that every night he is haunted in his dreams by three recurring beings, enigmatic numbers and mysterious symbols, which he experiences with unbearably intense feelings. It is from these apparitions that he receives his scientific visions - the fundamental basis of his success. He also leads a double life. A highly respected scientist by day, he dives into the shady underworld at night in a restless search for human happiness. But his control over himself is slipping away. In order to satisfy his irrepressible urge for scientific knowledge and an emotionally fulfilling life, Kieron wants to have his dreams analyzed and enters into an alliance with the diabolical master Astaroth, with fatal consequences.

Unsuk Chin drew inspiration for her second opera from the life and work of the legendary physicist Wolfgang Pauli and his relationship with the psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung. Faustian material for the 21st century.

Dramatic