OPERA, SONG CYCLES AND EVEN A MUSICAL

Opera

 

FAUSTUS  part one

First of a three opera cycle updating the Faust legend to our times; based on the plays of Goethe and Marlowe. Premiered by the Center for Contemporary Opera, New York City in 1986. 

The opera follows a Trump-like American businessman who sells his soul for youth and knowledge.

Currently being recorded by NOR.

 

FAUSTUS part two

Second opera in the American Faust cycle. Faustus falls into a mini blackhole and is transported back to the Nixon era. Currenly being recorded by NOR.

 

FAUSTUS part three

The saga continues in post 911 times. Headquartered in Faustus Towers, the anti-hero becomes host of a popular reality show.  Set to be recorded in 2017 by NOR.

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FAUSTUS part four

Faustus runs for President and (unfortunately) wins. Similar to  "The Rise and Fall of Ronald P. Glumpf" (see below).

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THE RISE AND FALL OF RONALD P. GLUMPF  **NEW**

Just out on this site! A satire of the 2016 Presidential elections. Following the elections this opera will be extended and will occupy its place as FAUSTUS part four. 

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THE DEVIL AND GEORGE BUSH

 A comic opera about guess what featuring Kevin Corbett of  Capitol Steps as you know who. Recorded in 2007 by NOR and MMC and premiered on the Internet

 

THE TRIAL OF GEORGE BUSH

A short opera concerning torture and other atrocities and lies.  Recorded by NOR in 2008 and premiered on the Internet.

 

AZAZEL (Scapegoat)

Opera about the Jew who inspired the New Testament. Premiered by the New Camarata at Symphony Space under the name "Jesus of Nazareth", New York City. 1987  

                                                     

ULYSSES

Based on the novel by James Joyce, words by Joyce, adaptation by Roger Rudenstein. Chamber version performed by the Players Ring, Portsmouth, New Hampshire,1999. Fully orchestrated version recorded by NOR, 2016. More information on this exciting new recording is available here.

                                                                                               

GRACE

Opera about an AIDS victim who is transported in his delerium to the court of Louis Fifteenth, based on the play by Edward Langlois and John Carmichael. Premiered by Opera on the Edge, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2004

 

 

Contata and Song cycles

STATE OF THE UNION

Cantata for Piano, Clarinet, Flute, Bassoon, 
Trumpet, Viola, Cello,  Soprano, Tenor and Bass-Baritone
Lyrics by George W. Bush

 

THE SECOND COMING

Song cycle for soprano based on poems of William Butler Yeats, performed at St. Peters Church, New York City.

 

SONGS OF YEATS

Song cycle for baritone

 

CANTATI

Vocalize song cyle for soprano

 

 

Musical

 

Onions  - a childen’s musical, book and lyrics by Robin Nitschelm.

Premiered at Prescott Park Arts Festival, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 2001

Ulysses DVD Cover

Cover of the  two-disc DVD of Ulysses recorded in 2016

Grace

Photo from the Opera on the Edge production of Grace

Faustus

Photo from the Center for Contemporary Opera' s  production of my opera Faustus