Nannan, an Opera in Two Acts
Singers and Orchestra (2222, 4231, Timp, 3 Perc, Hp, & Strings)
Music and Libretto by Wang Jie. Base on a short story by Wang Jie.
Duration: 2 hours (Work in Progress: 30 min completed)
On the eve of the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1948, NANNAN tells the story of a barren wife in a noble household who is soon deemed undesirable and replaced by a concubine.
Principal Roles
Nannan, Dramatic Soprano – a young lady in her late 20s, Master’s first wife, Minshen’s childhood friend
Minshen, Tenor – a gentleman in his late 20s, Master’s younger brother, who just graduated from college and returned home from London.
Lumei, Light Lyric Soprano – a young and attractive opera singer, married to the Master as concubine.
Master, Bass-Baritone – the head of the noble family, Nannan’s husband, who inherited major wealth from his deceased parents.
Secondary Roles
The Maid, Mezzo-Soprano – a 32-year-old uneducated lady.
The Missionary, Bass-Baritone – a foreigner in his late 40s.
The Steward on the ship, Baritone – a 40-year-old man.
Servants/Street Crowd/Pier Crowd, SATB: 36 voices
Note for the performance recording below:
This is a special edition written for VOX 2007, showcased by New York City Opera
This work was funded in part by the Composer Assistance Program of the American Music Center