Bassarids, The
Classification added September 29, 2015Premiered August 6, 1966
Salzburg. (Sante Fe 1967 in English)
Composer:
Hans Werner Henze
Original Language:
English. However, the premiere was performed in a German translation by Maria Basse-Sporleder
Librettist:
Text is a free adaptation by W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman of the The Bacchae of Euripides. “Bassarids” is an alternative name for Bacchae, or worshippers of Dionysus.
Description:
Opera in One Act with Intermezzo
Notes:
Composed in the form of a Symphony – a continuous work in four movements, and Intermezzo (which is between the 1st and 2nd parts of the 3rd movement).
Time Period:
Antiquity
Place:
The Royal Palace in Thebes & Mount Cythaeron
Classification key
- L – Leading
- F – Featured
- S – Supporting
- B – Solo Bit
- CB – Chorus Bit
- MB – Mute Bit
| Role | Voice Part | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Dionysus (also Voice & Stranger) | Tenor | L |
| Pentheus, King of Thebes | Baritone | L |
| Agave, daughter of Cadmus, mother of Pentheus | Mezzo Soprano | L |
| Autonoe, her sister | Soprano | F |
| Cadmus, founder of Thebes | Bass | F |
| Tiresias, old, blind prophet | Tenor (with Intermezzo=F) | S |
| Captain of the Royal Guard | Baritone (with Intermezzo=F) | S |
| Beroe, old slave, nurse to Pentheus | Mezzo Soprano | S |
| Young Woman, slave in Agave’s house | Mute | |
| Child, her daughter | Mute | |
| Male Bacchant in 2nd & 3rd movement | CB |
Minimum Chorus: 40
Divisi: SATB