Cantata On The Death Of Antony (Voice/Chamber Ensemble)

The facsimile score to Colin Matthews' Cantata on the Death of Antony.  

Cantata on the Death of Antony is a 4-minute work for soprano and ensemble of five players (Eb and bass clarinets, viola, cello, and double bass). It was first performed by Mary Wiegold and the Composers Ensemble, conducted by John Woolrich, in 1989. The text is taken from Roman historian Dion Cassius, and describes the tragic denouement of Antony and Cleopatra across nine brief scenes, with an instrumental introduction followed by alternating recitatives, scenes, and arias. Matthews’ music is taut and intense, with the rapid changes of mood and texture from section to section heightening the drama of the text.