Libretto by Luca Francesconi, based on Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare and Casa Ricordi
Timon Etudes is a study of Timon of Athens that will debut at La Scala in 2027, and a suite is presented that musically anticipates its dramatic atmosphere. 'I wrote the libretto based on Shakespeare's play,' writes Francesconi, 'the most controversial, mysterious and modern of his works. These etudes reveal a core that is close to us: a fierce invective against a world dominated by gold. The most striking component is the ruthless lucidity with which he analyses the miserable condition of cynicism and nihilism of his characters. Great themes of existence are treated with unparalleled force of words and images. The music has the task of adhering to this expressive tension and elevating it to an even more dramatic and universal dimension. Now Timon no longer sings, he acts. And he is visited, as in a sinister dream, a Fellini-esque procession, by many Athenians from whom he had fled. These characters sing. A disconcerting dialogue is formed between spoken and sung words. In addition, the “speaking” Timon is immersed in music, contrasted with the musical power of the large orchestra and choir. His final judgement on (our) society is an uncompromising attack on humanity as a whole, which has lost all empathy, generosity and capacity for love.
Arcipelaghi 2025 project by the Reggio Parma Festival • World premiere • Commissioned by the Verdi Festival