Thommessen: The Hermaphrodite
Label: AURORA Catalog: ACD5049 Format: COMPACT DISC Sodal, Nils Harald; Eggen, Christian; Oslo Sinfonietta; Hugaas, Ketil; Gericke, Isa; Fegran, Espen; Inderhaug, Eir; Einarsson, AnnaOlav Anton Thommessen’s chamber opera The Hermaphrodite is a journey into self-knowledge, a man’s awakening sexuality, and the dualistic nature of man in a synthesis of masculinity and femininity. The opera contains seven standalone chamber pieces which comprise a scenic whole. Texts from authors like D. H. Lawrence, Isidore Ducasse, and others accompany the music. The work is performed as a ballet opera for six solo singers, two actors, dancers, and chamber orchestra. Portions of the piece were premiered at Vadstena-Akademien in Sweden in 1976, and the work in its entirety was later performed at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm. Olav Anton Thommessen has been an extremely productive composer throughout his career, having a number of compositions behind him. He is Professor Emeritus in composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music. Price: $35.98 |