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The Seer An Opera in One Act
| Composed |
1993 |
| Duration |
1 hour |
| Instrumentation |
Voices: mezzo soprano, tenor, baritone, low bass, chorus.
2 violins, viola, 'cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, harp, timpani, xylophone. |
| Comments |
This acclaimed work was inspired by a dramatic story of second sight and murder, from Highland folklore. The legend of the Brahan Seer, a 17C peasant from the island of Lewis, who could see the future through his magic stone is known throughout the Highlands. The fulfilment of his prediction of the end of the Seaforth family line, followed his gruesome death at the hands of the Countess of Seaforth, after he had informed her of her husband the 3rd Earl's infidelity.
The music is as spine-chilling as the story, which intrigued the composer whose music room overlooked the ruined Cathedral which holds the Seaforth family tombs.
The soloists are the Earl, the Countess, the Seer and the Chaplain. The choruses are colourful and intense and maintain the dramatic flow, visually and musically. |
| Performances |
Ryedale Festival, Yorkshire, 1996.
Seer Festival, Dingwall, Ross & Cromarty, 2001. |
| Reviews |
"..this riveting production demands to be heard beyond Dingwall and is worthy of a place in the European chamber opera repertoire." Opera Magazine.
"...the composer's sure sense of theatre." The Herald.
"...Bevan Baker's music glistens with excitement and vitality, refreshing in its originality...this outstanding opera deserves to be heard in festivals and in opera houses around the world." The Scotsman. |
| Recordings |
CD and VHS. |
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