ERNEST WORTHING
by
John Biggs
A chamber opera in 3 acts based on Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Ernest"
Duration: 2:40 - including 2 intermissions
Forces required: soprano, mezzo, alto, contralto, tenor, baritone, bass, 2 butlers, piano
NOTE: This work was premiered by the Ventura (California) College Opera Workshop in August of 1998. The production sold out during its three week run. It was then extended for two additional weeks, and would have run indefinately had the theater been available.
A DVD of the premiere performance is available from: LOS ANGELES TIMES “Biggs conveys a flowing, sophisticated musical language that savors witty wordplay, a sly irreverence and an underlying tenderness - the innate hallmarks of Wilde’s piece.”
CONSORT PRESS
SCENE FROM THE OPERA
SYNOPSIS - - PHOTO GALLERY - - LISTENING ROOM - - INQUIRIES
THE REPORTER (Thousand Oaks, CA) “Biggs’ music is at once intricate, varied, and playful.” “---an excellent job of integrating Oscar Wilde’s linguistic modes into his lyrics---so the piece appears almost seamless in terms of authorship.”
SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT “I don’t know how many comic operas have been written in this century - especially comic operas that are actually funny - but the number has just increased by one.” “---a comic complexity which we haven’t heard since the days of Rossini or Donizetti.”
[LETTER TO THE EDITOR]: "Finally, an opera for people who don't like opera!" Charles Gallagher, Santa Barbara, CA
VENTURA COUNTY STAR “In a rare magical moment on a local stage, all elements blend perfectly---”.“Ernest Worthing isn’t simply an opera for the moment. It deserves a larger audience and a longer run.”
[LETTER TO THE EDITOR]: ". . the singing was satisfying and the score was a delight to listen to. D. M. Spaulding, Ventura, CA