Saariaho Only The Sound Remains

Kaija Saariaho’s 2015 opera Only The Sound Remains was commissioned by Dutch National Opera, Finnish National Opera, Opera de Paris, Teatro Real Madrid and Canadian Opera Company. The work combines two short operas inspired by Japanese Nôh dramas: “Always Strong” (“Tsunemasa”) and “Feather Mantle” (“Hagoromo”), based on translations by Ezra Pound and Ernest Fenollosa. It is scored for countertenor and bass baritone with a background vocal quartet and chamber ensemble as well as a dancer.