The story of Rostam is from the Shahnameh, an 11th century epic by Ferdowsi. The opera is just under three hours long, and is scored for full orchestra, nine soloists, chorus, and ballet.
Rostam lived for 600 years, according to legend, and because that is too much adventure for a single opera, I have selected just a few significant events for this work. The libretto is mostly my own words, letting the singers tell the tale rather than the storyteller employed by Ferdowsi.
Click here for a synopsis of Act 1, along with samples of the music.
Click here for a synopsis of Act 2, along with samples of the music.
Click here for a synopsis of Act 3, along with samples of the music.
Click here to see the entire libretto. (17 pages)
Rostam lived for 600 years, according to legend, and because that is too much adventure for a single opera, I have selected just a few significant events for this work. The libretto is mostly my own words, letting the singers tell the tale rather than the storyteller employed by Ferdowsi.
Click here for a synopsis of Act 1, along with samples of the music.
Click here for a synopsis of Act 2, along with samples of the music.
Click here for a synopsis of Act 3, along with samples of the music.
Click here to see the entire libretto. (17 pages)
About the musical excerpts:
The music files are in MP3 format, which gives excellent audio fidelity, and they are less than 1/10 the size of the original audio files. To listen to these excerpts, you will need an MP3 plugin. If you don’t have one, follow these links to either Microsoft Windows Media Player or Real Player .
About the performance:
This opera has never been performed. What you hear is a synthesizer mockup, performed on a Gigastudio orchestral module and Finale. Voices have been simulated with looped phonemes. It is hoped that the listener will bear in mind that a real performance will sound a great deal better! Really!
Contact me
If you are interested in producing this opera, please email me at dondilworth@twc.com. If you are a potential sponsor, investor, or producer interested in hearing the entire opera on DVD -- complete with subtitles -- let me know and I'll send you a copy.
Donald C. Dilworth
P.O. Box 247
East Boothbay, ME 04544
USA
WARNING! Since the opera has never been performed, the DVD has the same synthesizer emulation that you hear in the excerpts. If you would like to hear a real performance (as I do) please help to find a producer!
The full score as well as a rehearsal piano version is also available. Please email me if you would like to receive further information.
More information about the Shahnameh may be found at http://shahnameh.com/ferdowsi_review/v02n03win99_wolff/index.htm
The music files are in MP3 format, which gives excellent audio fidelity, and they are less than 1/10 the size of the original audio files. To listen to these excerpts, you will need an MP3 plugin. If you don’t have one, follow these links to either Microsoft Windows Media Player or Real Player .
About the performance:
This opera has never been performed. What you hear is a synthesizer mockup, performed on a Gigastudio orchestral module and Finale. Voices have been simulated with looped phonemes. It is hoped that the listener will bear in mind that a real performance will sound a great deal better! Really!
Contact me
If you are interested in producing this opera, please email me at dondilworth@twc.com. If you are a potential sponsor, investor, or producer interested in hearing the entire opera on DVD -- complete with subtitles -- let me know and I'll send you a copy.
Donald C. Dilworth
P.O. Box 247
East Boothbay, ME 04544
USA
WARNING! Since the opera has never been performed, the DVD has the same synthesizer emulation that you hear in the excerpts. If you would like to hear a real performance (as I do) please help to find a producer!
The full score as well as a rehearsal piano version is also available. Please email me if you would like to receive further information.
More information about the Shahnameh may be found at http://shahnameh.com/ferdowsi_review/v02n03win99_wolff/index.htm