Akhnaten by Philip Glass

Current opera

Together with Einstein on the Beach and Satyagraha, the opera Akhnaten (1983) forms a triptych about science, politics and religion. Composer Philip Glass, mostly in collaboration with theatrical producer Robert Wilson, thus created a vast musico-dramatic panorama of topical subjects in an extraordinary new language of form. In Akhnaten, after the death of his father, the young pharaoh Akhenaten comes to power, with his wife Nefertiti - the one of the beautiful bust in Berlin. After his coronation, he abolishes all the old gods to introduce a new religion. This to the dismay of the priests, who overthrow him.

Minimalist idiom

Glass uses his well-known minimalist idiom here, combined with overwhelming choral and dance scenes. The title role is written for a countertenor, reinforcing the Pharaoh's special status. Nefertiti, on the other hand, is sung by an alto, blending the vocal colors of this pair, along with Mother Tye's soprano part, in a special way. Conductor and a number of soloists - including title interpreter Anthony Roth Costanzo - also participated in the last performance of this opera at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.