El Niño (2000 Adams / Sellars), oratorio

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El Niño <Spanish/English> (2000) is an oratorio by John Adams (mus.) and Peter Sellars (libr.).

Abstract

Described by Adams as a "nativity oratorio", retells the Christmas story, with the first half of focusing on Mary's thoughts before the birth and the second half on the aftermath of the birth in the stable in Bethlehem, Herod's slaughter of the Holy Innocents and the early life of Jesus. The text follows the traditional biblical story of the birth of Jesus but also incorporates poetry from a wide range of sources. The work is scored for soprano, mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists, a trio of counter-tenors and forty-five piece orchestra (which includes two guitars and a sampling keyboard), SATB chorus, and children’s chorus.

Editions, performances, translations

Premiered in Paris, France: Théâtre du Châtelet, 15 December 2000. Broadcast on BBC (UK) and PBS (USA).

External links