Unfinished Opera in Three Acts

Photography by Robert Eggers
The Dybbuk was the result of a promised commission and commitment for a staged production made to the Composer during the 1970s. He worked feverishly on the project under a tight deadline, composing and orchestrating Acts One and Two in record time. He was deep into composing Act Three when, due to a change in management, he was told that both the promised commission and premiere would not be honored. The shock and disappointment crushed him and he set the work aside, leaving Act Three unfinished except for three pieces.

Several excerpts were performed in public recital with various singers, all accompanied by Mr. DiGiacomo. The available sheet music and sound files presented here are from those performances.

For more information regarding this stunning score, please contact singdigiacomo@gmail.com.

The Dybbuk libretto derives from the Yiddish play by S. Ansky, in a new translation by S. Morris Engel, and tells a strange and beautiful love story which is used, both in the play and, even more so, in this opera, as a symbol for a theosophical drama steeped in religious mysticism and philosophy. It is set in a Russian Jewish community at the turn of the 19th century. Several years before the opera’s opening, two friends, Sender and Nissan, vowed before God that their children should one day wed. However, time and travel have separated them, and the vow has been forgotten by Sender, whose daughter Laia is now of age for betrothal. Unknown to all concerned, the son of his now deceased friend Nissan, called Khannon, has come to the village, and, lodging with Sender’s family, has fallen in love with Laia. Khannon has become immersed in magical Kabbalistic studies in order to accomplish his end: betrothal and eternal union with Laia, who is unaware of his love for her.

The Dybbuk
Chorus of Batlonim - The 23rd Psalm in Hebrew TTBB and solo tenor
Khannon Hennakh Duet two tenors
Khannon’s Love Song tenor
Fradeh’s Song mezzo soprano
Laia’s Monologue Scene at the Holy Grave soprano
The Messenger’s Parable baritone
Laia’s Lullaby soprano
Laia Khannon Love Duet soprano and tenor