Floyd, Carlisle: Susannah (1953-54) 105' A musical drama in two acts
Music Text Libretto by the composer, based on a story from the Apocrypha (E,G)
Scoring Major roles: S,T,BBar; minor roles: 2S,M,A,3T,2Bar; chorus; dancers
2(II=picc).2(II=corA).2(II=bcl).2(II=dbn)-4.2.3.1-timp.perc:SD/cyms/
gong/xyl-cel-harp-strings
Reduced scoring: 2.1.2(II=bcl).1-2.2.2.0-timp.perc(1):SD/cym/gong/
xyl-harp-strings
For full details on this stagework, including synopsis and roles, please visit our Opera section.
World Premiere 2/24/1956 Florida State University, Tallahassee Lynn Orr, director / Florida State University / Karl Kuersteiner
Press Quotes “Composed 50 years ago at the height of the McCarthy persecutions, it is a flawlessly effective melodrama focused on an innocent woman victimised by a narrow Evangelical community in rural Tennessee. …it speaks straight to the heart through music of uninhibited tonal simplicity and Pucciniesque fervour.” Daily Telegraph
Recommended Recording Cheryl Studer, Jerry Hadley, Samuel Ramey, Kenn Chester, Michael Druiett, Steven Cole, Stuart Kale, David Pittsinger, Anne Howells, Della Jones, Jean Glennon, Elisabeth Laurence, Lyon Opera Chorus, Lyon Opera Orchestra, Kent Nagano Virgin Classics VCD5450392
