Tobias Picker

Dolores Claiborne

Text information	libretto by J. D. McClatchy based on the book by Stephen King
Year(s) composed	2013
Publisher	Schott Music
Instrumentation	opera in two acts
Duration	120'
Premiere	September 18, 2013; War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, CA; San Francisco Opera
Commission	Commissioned by the San Francisco Opera
Language	English
Roles	Vera · soprano - Selena · soprano - Dolores · mezzo-soprano - Mr. Pease · tenor - Thibodeau · tenor - Joe · bass-baritone - 5 maids · sopranos - Teen Girl · soprano - Teen Boy · tenor - Mr. Knox · tenor - Mr. Cox · tenor - Mr. Fox · tenor - SATB Chorus
Composer note	Dolores Claiborne is a character destined for the operatic stage – passionate, desperate, trapped. She will do anything to save the daughter who despises her. Pushed to the extreme edge of life, she does what she has to, fearless and forsaken. I have wanted to write this opera for years. Yes, Stephen King is a master of suspense, but he is also a remarkable reader of human desires and fears. The superb team that San Francisco Opera has assembled allowed me to compose a powerful, heart-stopping piece of music theater for a cast of brilliant voices. - Tobias Picker