Nena - ballet in one act (2018/2020)

for large orchestra

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Composed May 2018/April 2020

 

Scored for 2 Flutes (2nd doubles piccolo), 2 Oboes (2nd double english horn), 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, 4 Percussion, Harp, Celesta and Strings.

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88 Minutes

 

Unperformed.

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Scenario

Nena (pronounced Nay-na), a young middle class woman living in the ancient middle east, is preparing for a wedding to Salim, from a royal family. Nena does not love or want to marry Salim, because he is abusive and harshly disregards Nena’s feelings.

Nena and her friends attend a bacchanal where she meets and falls in love with Symon, from another middle class family. Salim discovers Nena with Symon as she seduces him and breaks it apart. Salim forbids Nena to see Symon again, warning repercussions. She realizes that she is really meant to be with Symon. Nena goes to see Symon, and successfully seduces him. She then informs Salim of her decision to not marry him (after a period of abuse), and as a result, he is not happy at all. In a fit of rage and jealousy, Salim kidnaps Nena and takes her to be sacrificed in a ritual. Symon, having heard about Nena being kidnapped, goes to rescue her and finds an enraged Salim instead. He challenges Salim to a duel, and kills him. Symon and Nena reunite and marry. The newly happily married couple have a party to celebrate their new union with a frenzied and excited orgiastic dance.