Joseph Phibbs: Juliana - RES10290

Joseph Phibbs: Juliana

£12.99
Total playing time [78:43]

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Zoe Drummond (soprano)
Rebecca Afonwy-Jones (mezzo-soprano)
Felix Kemp (baritone)
Nova Music Opera Ensemble
George Vass (conductor)

Based on August Strindberg’s celebrated 1888 play Miss Julie, chamber opera Juliana (2018) unites composer Joseph Phibbs and librettist Laurie Slade in a modern tale about the power of money, immigration politics, drugs and the blurring of sexual boundaries. In confronting these issues head-on, the power of aristocracy is replaced by that of plutocracy.

Strindberg’s Count, an unseen but malevolent presence, becomes the Boss, a multi-millionaire businessman. Julie becomes Juliana, a spoilt little rich girl in thrall to her father. Jean becomes Juan, an immigrant servant, his status insecure. Juliana and Juan live on the edge emotionally. Kerstin, the housekeeper, is caught in a triangular conflict with them both.

Conductor George Vass and the Nova Music Opera Ensemble, are joined by soprano Zoe Drummond (Juliana), mezzo-soprano Rebecca Afonwy-Jones (Kerstin) and baritone Felix Kemp (Juan) in the world premiere recording of this major new work.

Album Booklet (PDF)

Tracklist

Juliana (2018)
1. Scene One: Evening light outside
2. Scene Two: Light fading outside
3. Scene Three: Twilight outside
4. Scene Four: Darkness outside
5. Dance sequence
6. Scene Five: Moonlight from the patio
7. Interlude
8. Scene Six: The night is serene
9. Scene Seven: The serenity of the night returns
10. Scene Eight: Daylight strengthens
11. Scene Nine: Reality dawns
12. Scene Ten: Daylight strengthens
13. Scene Eleven: Retribution threatens
14. Scene Twelve: Daylight brightens
15. Scene Thirteen: Morning light

“

'The score is brilliantly written, with a spaciousness and sure sense of timing that encourages Zoe Drummond (Juliana) and Felix Kemp (Juan) to fully vocally and dramatically inhabit their characters; at the same time allowing the equally excellent Rebecca Afonwy-Jones (Kerstin) to rise above the limitations of her witness role, and Nova Music Opera Ensemble to shine under conductor George Vass.'

- BBC Music Magazine

'The score is brilliantly written, with a spaciousness and sure sense of timing that encourages Zoe Drummond (Juliana) and Felix Kemp (Juan) to fully vocally and dramatically inhabit their characters; at the same time allowing the equally excellent Rebecca Afonwy-Jones (Kerstin) to rise above the limitations of her witness role, and Nova Music Opera Ensemble to shine under conductor George Vass.'
BBC Music Magazine

'The Nova Music Opera Ensemble [...] accompany flawlessly, directed with his customary exemplary sensitivity by George Vass. Resonus's sound is beautifully clear.'
Gramophone

'This world premiere recording brings to life once more a story written over 130 years ago that seems to be incredibly up to date, or perhaps simply timeless'
Lark Reviews

Credits
© 2022 Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2022 Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10290
Producer, engineer & editor: Adam Binks
EAN: 5060262793206
Cover image: Detail from Head of a Woman by Alvar Cawén (1886–1935) Reproduced by kind permission of the Finnish National Gallery
Release date: 7 January 2022