Hamlet’s Obsession (2014) by Jon Pescevich is an opera in two acts for large orchestra and chorus.
Soloists
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (Lyric Tenor)
Ophelia, Polonius’ daughter (Lyric Soprano)
Claudius, current King of Denmark (Dramatic Baritone)
Gertrude, Queen of Denmark (Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano)
Laertes, Polonius’ son (Tenor)
Polonius, a courtier (Bass)
The Grave Digger (Dramatic Bass)
The Ghost of Hamlet’s father, the former King of Denmark (Dancer)
3 Players (Mimes)
Chorus
A Large S.A.T.B. Chorus
The chorus represents the voices in Hamlet’s head. The singer who plays Hamlet is always to be seen whenever the chorus is singing, and must complete this illusion.
The chorus could sing from the orchestra pit. Or microphones and loudspeakers could be used (with special effects), moving the chorus’ singing around the theater.
If and when the chorus appears on stage, they should be dressed like Hamlet – singing and acting the contents of his mind.
Extras
Servants, Guards, Courtiers, a Spy, an Official, a Theater Troupe and a Band of Laertes’ Friends
(The opera lasts two and a half hours and has one intermission.)
Orchestra
Piccolo
2 Flutes
2 Oboes
English Horn in F
2 Clarinets in Bb
Bass Clarinet in Bb (with a lower extension)
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon
4 French Horns in F
Trumpet in C
Trombone (with an F attachment)
Tuba
Timpani
Bass Drum
Piano
Violins I
Violins II
Violas
Cellos
Contrabasses (with lower extensions)