The Painter is a one-act opera that takes place in a single night. The single scene opens with Hugo, a talented painter, and Michael, his best friend, exchanging both tender sentiments and harsh words about the recent loss of Hugo's wife through anonymous urban violence. Michael fears for Hugo's well being but his concerns fall on deaf ears and Hugo's only desire is to assuage his grief through painting renditions of Claire, his dead wife, or other demonic figures. Micheal leaves in exasperation and Hugo's delusions take over. Claire, emerging from a painting in the figure of veiled woman offers the consolation of suicide and an end to the pain, while the Master of the Dance, emerging from a different painting, counsels revenge on the murderer who the Master deftly convinces Hugo is his friend Michael. About to find him, the veiled woman again emerges and Hugo softly falls into her embrace, choosing her path over any other.
Characters
Michael, bass-baritone
Hugo, tenor
Veiled Woman, soprano
Master of the Dance, counter tenor
Duration: 30 minutes
Piano score available now. Score and parts for chamber ensemble accompaniment (flute doubling clarinet, vibraphone, harp, piano, violins 1 and 2, viola, cello and bass) available late 2007.
The Painter is one of a trilogy of three short operas, each exploring, in a different way, the theme of loss. The other two are Anniversary and Looking Back. Each stands on its own or they can be performed as a triptych in this order: Anniversary, The Painter, Looking Back.