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.
FAUSTUS part four
Faustus runs for President and (unfortunately) wins. Similar to "The Rise and Fall of Ronald P. Glumpf" (see below).
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.
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
Photo from the Opera on the Edge production of Grace
Grace
Photo from the Center for Contemporary Opera' s production of my opera Faustus
