Gavin Bryars - Marilyn Forever [Audio CD]

Gavin Bryars shifts focus from his previous large-scale, full-evening operas to the more flexible, intimate, and manageable form of chamber opera with Marilyn Forever (2013). This work, his fourth opera, benefits from a smaller cast and reduced instrumentation, allowing for greater potential for repeated performances.

The inspiration for the opera came after Bryars befriended Canadian writer Marilyn Bowering on Vancouver Island, who shared her radio play about Marilyn Monroe. Bryars connected this material to his own early obsession with the film The Misfits, noting the film's pervasive sense of inevitable sadness and farewell, which aligned with the opera's conception.

The vocal roles feature two soloists: Marilyn, performed by soprano Anne Grimm, and 'The Men,' performed by baritone Richard Morris, who portrays various figures including the music director, husband, and film producer. A small 'chorus' of Tritones (minimum of two singers) observes and comments, sometimes forming an a cappella group with The Man.

The instrumental ensemble is deliberately small, comprising eight players in the pit: bass clarinet/clarinet, bassoon, French horn, percussion, violas, cello, and double bass. Additionally, an on-stage jazz trio features tenor sax, piano, and double bass, with Gavin Bryars himself performing the bass on this 2015 recording made at ABC Studio, Sydney.

• Conductor: Bill Linwood
• Marilyn (Soprano): Anne Grimm
• The Men (Baritone): Richard Morris
• The Tritones (Vocals): Adam Goodburn, Nicholas Cannon
• Piano: Robert Holliston
• Tenor Saxophone: Julien Wilson
• Double Bass: Gavin Bryars
• Ensemble: Aventa Ensemble
• Stage Direction: Joel Ivany

This Audio CD presents Bryars' significant work in the chamber opera genre, capturing a performance recorded in 2015.