Ghost Variations
"From that first moment I met you, I loved you
as a young boy loves the constellations."
-Johannes Brahms, Ghost Variations
as a young boy loves the constellations."
-Johannes Brahms, Ghost Variations
Based on a true story
Libretto by Aiden K. Feltkamp
Music by Tony Manfredonia
Libretto by Aiden K. Feltkamp
Music by Tony Manfredonia
Synopsis: Clara Schumann’s life falls out from beneath her when her genius composer husband, Robert Schumann, experiences a mental health crisis. As Robert battles the hallucinations and dementia brought on by his illness, Clara must find a way to remain strong for her family, her friends, and herself. Ghost Variations re-imagines the real story of the Schumanns and their closest friend, Johannes Brahms, in the final years of Robert’s life.
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Length: 2 hours
Instrumentation: String Quartet & Piano Piano/Vocal Version available Roles: Clara Schumann - lyric mezzo Johannes Brahms - dramatic soprano Robert Schumann - baritone Florestan - lyric soprano Eusebius - lyric mezzo Marie Schumann - high lyric soprano Doctor Franz Richarz - tenor |
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Recordings:
Clara's Aria (Act I)
Brahms' Aria (Act I)
Marie's Aria (Act I)
Robert Schumann's Aria (Act I)
Eusebius' Aria (Act II)
Clara's Aria (Act I)
Brahms' Aria (Act I)
Marie's Aria (Act I)
Robert Schumann's Aria (Act I)
Eusebius' Aria (Act II)
Live Recording from Act I Reading (Opera America, August 2018)
Includes Q&A with composer, librettist, and cast
Includes Q&A with composer, librettist, and cast