Thyrsis & Amaranth

an opera in one act on the fable by Jean de la Fontaine (2010)
for soprano, mezzo-soprano (or countertenor), and piano

Duration: 15 minutes

Libretto: English by the composer

Cast:
Thyrsis, a shepherd .. .. .. .. .. .. .. mezzo-soprano (or countertenor)
Amaranth, a shepherdess .. .. .. .. soprano

Synopsis:
Set against a classical Arcadian backdrop of rolling hills and wooded fields, Amarath, a shepherdess, is sitting singing to herself of heartache. Her song speaks of the inward turmoil she is experiencing. Thyrsis, a shepherd, happens upon Amaranth as she speaks of her longings for someone. Thyrsis has long harbored a love for Amaranth, but has feared rejection if he should express his feelings to her. He devises a way to find out if she has feelings for him by probing and hinting on the subject of love itself. Through their exchange, Thyrsis thinks that her feelings are for him, but his questioning leads Amaranth to acknowledge her love for another shepherd. Thyrsis is caught by surprise and left alone at the end to consider the failure of his words.

Premiere:
November 13, 2011
Hartford Opera Theater, The Studio at Billings Forge, Hartford, CT
Thyrsis: Anne Druce, mezzo-soprano
Amaranth: Lisabeth Miller Kettledon, soprano
Stephen Scarlato, piano
stage director: Regina Kaufmann; music director: Joseph Hodge

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