cantata on letters of Julius & Ethel Rosenberg, 1987-88, 45’30”
for baritone (or tenor), soprano, and optional chorus, with piano or orchestra
in 12 movements, prelude & 2 interludes.
First complete performance by Helene Williams and Peter Schlosser,
with composer at piano, on “Meet the Composer” grant,
at Bryant Library, Roslyn 6/14/88;
also perf. at Museum of Fine Art (Roslyn)10/6/88,
Community Church of Boston, 12/11/88, WESPAC (Ardsley, NY) 12/22/88;
prem. with (Metropolitan Philharmonic) Chorus
at Community Church of NY 6/19/88
also perf. WQXR-AM, NY (“The Listening Room”) 12/8/88
#2, 1, 7 & 4 perf. at Weill Recital Hall benefit for Ezrath Nashim 6/14/89
and at Temple Sinai of Roslyn 8/20/89
prem. w/Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra:
Metropolitan Philharmonic Chorus & Orch, cond. by composer
[Associate Conductor: Bill Grossman]
Marymount Manhattan Theater 6/11/89;
video on YouTube as indicated below:
audio recording: OPUS ONE #145
other perfs w/Helene Williams, Ronald Edwards & Chor:
Plandome Unitarian Church 6/19/93;
w/Helene Williams, Gregory Mercer & Chor:
6/15/03 Puffin Cultural Forum, Teaneck NJ;
6/18/03 Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, Manhattan
Prelude
1) Childhood Memories (Julius)
2) The Shofar (Ethel [+Chorus])
3) Together (Julius & Ethel)
4) We Are Innocent (Julius & Ethel [+Chorus])
5) How Sad I Was To Leave You (Ethel) + Interlude
6) How Much You Have Given Me (Julius)
7) The Astounding Spectacle (Ethel & Julius [+Chorus])
7A) Interlude
8) A Visit From Mother (Ethel)
9) Of Course It Isn’t Easy (Julius)
10) “Mercy”?
11) On the Threshold of Death (Julius)
(Variations on a theme by Edith Segal, used by permission)
12) To Michael & Robert (Ethel & Julius [+Chorus])