Libretto by David Henry Hwang
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.
"[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
