Marilyn Forever

Gavin's Notes

Having composed three large-scale, full-evening, operas (Medea 1982-4; Doctor Ox’s Experiment 1997-8; and G 2002-3), Gavin turned to the more flexible, intimate and manageable form of chamber opera with his fourth opera Marilyn Forever (2013), about Marilyn Monroe. Its smaller cast, reduced instrumentation and simpler production gave the possibility of further productions, repeated performances, which would have been, and has proved to be, well-nigh impossible with the traditional forms. This was followed in 2018 by a further chamber opera The Collected Works of Billy the Kid.

Each opera has just two principals and a small instrumental ensemble, with librettos by very fine writers, coincidentally both Canadian: Marilyn Bowering for Marilyn Forever; Michael Ondaatje for The Collected Works of Billy the Kid.

Marilyn Forever is set on the night of Marilyn’s death and was recorded from performances in the legendary ABC Radio Studio 520, February 27th, 28th and March 1st, 2015, as one of the works featured during the time that Gavin was guest composer at the Adelaide International Festival. The production was the same as the premiere in Victoria BC, Canada in 2013, with the Aventa Ensemble conducted by Bill Linwood. Soprano Anne Grimm sings Marilyn and baritone Richard Morris “The Men” taking the roles of various men in Marilyn’s life.  In addition, there is a small “chorus”, two singers, the Tritones, who observe and comment. The instrumental ensemble comprises eight players in the pit, and an on-stage jazz trio, in which Gavin Bryars himself is the bass player.

Digital link:

https://gbrec.lnk.to/MarilynForever

Retail links:

BCGBCD35
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