CONTEMPLATING FIRE

Joan of Arc, age 19, alone in her prison cell as she reflects on the visions, victories, and betrayals that have brought her to face death in the morning by burning at the stake.

Charles VII, whom Joan elevated to be king of France, sits alone in his throne room consumed by shame and guilt, and considers his actions and the agonizing death decision he was forced to make. The king’s Royal Advisors, in their own chamber, exult in their triumph over Joan and their domination of the king.

The characters’ stories are revealed in flashback and real time, punctuated by imprecations from a hateful Mob and a chilling refrain from the Advisors. The action culminates in the king’s decision, Joan’s and Charles’ final yearnings, and the Advisors’ grim celebration.

Contemplating Fire was successfully premiered by Shoreline Music Society in 2022, in a condensed, semi-staged version starring Emily Marvosh, Martha Guth, Arnold Rawls, and  Ryan DeRyke, with Robert Nordling conducting, and stage direction by Michael La Tour.

The composer and librettist are most desirous of working with a university or professional opera company in mounting a complete and fully-staged production that will unlock the full potential of the text’s extraordinary mix of the lyrical, spiritual, and vernacular; employ the Choruses and additional characters; and again exploit the unique orchestration -- 20 players, with 11 percussionists and no upper strings.