Miss Julie

Libretto by Kenward Elmslie based on the play by August Strindberg (E)

2S,S(or boy S),M,2T,BBar; chorus
2.2.2.2-3.2.2.0-timp.perc(2):xyl/slap stick/SD/BD/gong/tgl/vib/tamb/
cyms/TD/glsp/cast/chimes/susp.cym/bongos-guitar-harp-strings

1880s, the servants' quarters of a country estate in Sweden

The Count's daughter, the jaded Miss Julie, is engaged to Niels. During the Midsummer Eve celebration, Miss Julie commands Niels to kiss her boot. He breaks off their engagement in disgust. Later that night, Christine, the cook at the country estate, and her fiancé, John, the Count's valet, sit with Miss Julie. Miss Julie begins to flirt wildly with John, who ultimately admits to being in love with her since he was a boy. The next day John and Miss Julie plan on how they will spend their lives together. John wants to escape to Lake Como where he can make his fortune running a hotel. He is counting on capital Miss Julie will provide.  Unfortunately, Miss Julie has no money of her own. John sternly tells her to find the money somehow. Christine discovers John's betrayal and threatens to leave the Count's employ. The lovers hurry to leave, and Miss Julie insists on taking her pet canary. Enraged, John kills the bird.  Miss Julie grabs John's razor and places it to her wrist. The bell then rings: John has been summoned by the Count, and he leaves. In desperation, Miss Julie runs to the garden and slashes her wrists.

Dramatic, Tragic