Le Roman de Silence is a 2-act opera based on a long-lost 13th century French manuscript exploring issues of gender, sexuality, and identity, all embedded in an adventure narrative. The premeire reading met with enthusiastic responses, described as "absolutely beautiful," "stunningly gorgeous composing," "ethereal, exquisite work... and a real story being told, engaging and poignant, thematically complex." The score is vocal-centered with chromatically-enriched tonality, influenced by early music and traditional operatic forms and conventions. Libretto and score are both by Anthony Buck, a musician and theatre professional with decades of experience in nearly every aspect of the art including as a singer, actor, stage director, writer, composer, and conductor.

The Story of the Opera

In a kingdom where woman are forbidden to inherit wealth or land, two nobles resolve to raise their child as a boy regardless of birth. Their child, Silence negotiates the influence of her two mentors, Nature and Nurture on a journey that includes becoming a minstrel, a courtier, a lover, a warrior, a healer, and a dragon slayer. The only thing Silence doesn't know how to come to peace with is their own identity. 

Roles in the Opera

Silence - Soprano. A 15-year old born female and raised male.

Nature - Mezzo-soprano. A goddess who loves the beauty of creation and who influences Silence to embrace herself as a woman.

Nurture - Countertenor. A godlike power who loves learning and achievement. He influences Silence to take advantage of the life afforded to him as a man.

King Euan - Soprano. The monarch whose decree has forbidden women to inherit. Later, a mentor to Silence.

Queen Eufeme - Bass. A woman frustrated by the lack of power in her role. She uses her sexuality as a tool to manipulate others, notably Silence.

Heldris - Tenor. The leader of a troupe of minstrels. Often drunk, always jealous, and firmly misogynistic.

Jean - Tenor. A minstrel in Heldris' troupe. A sensitive soul who falls in love with the boy Silence. Silence the woman returns his affections.

The Old Man - Baritone. A mysterious man who counsels Silence and plays a large role in her fate when his identity is revealed.

Father - Bass. Silence's unfeeling and chauvinistic father. This role is to be sung by the same singer as Queen Eufeme.

Mother - Soprano or Mezzo-soprano. Silence's nervous and nagging mother. This role is to be sung by the same singer as King Euan.

A Nun - Tenor. Queen Eufeme's serving maid, who is secretly a man and Eufeme's lover. This role is to be sung by the same singer as Heldris.

SATB Chorus, representing courtiers, soldiers, and the thoughts of the characters.

The Score

The score is two acts, each act running about an hour. The music is vocal-centered with chromatically-enriched tonality, influenced by early music. Borrowing from traditional operatic conventions, the structure features clearly defined "numbers" of arias, duets, and ensembles connected by secco recitatives. The orchestration is currently for string quartet and piano.