Willie Doonan - Baritone Aria (Willie)
Beginning of Act 1, Scene 2

Willie is tuning a new Model A on an outdoor lot at the company's new plant in Russia. His adjustment to a new life is difficult and he's having doubts about his decision to take the job.
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Twenty cars a day, twenty cars a day, 
back home we built many, many more. 
Back home I knew everybody's name. 
I knew all the names all the words. 
Here, what do I know?
 
Back home I went to every dive, 
With cool summer jazz and dancing all night. 
But here, where can I go? 
When we left the boat I jumped like a kid, 
With dreams and a smile. 
But weeks have passed and nothing, 
Nothing seems right: the food, the words. 
Where is this place and who do I know?
 
Back home I walked on every block,
Past every shop, up every street, 
Humming "Happy Feet, Happy Feet." 
I saw a dozen smiles,
Familiar smiles, yes a dozen,
With a chorus of "hey, Willie", 
"Hey, Willie", "hey, Willie,"
"Hey, Willie", "hey, Willie!"
But now I'm here, and where can I go?

Back Home I Knew Everybody's Name (Willie Doonan Baritone Aria A1S2)

About the artist: TATEV BAROYAN is a young, accomplished Armenian American soprano. Her career continues to blossom with performances at New York City Opera and Sarasota Opera. Both her talent and artistry have been recognized by awards from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and Metropolitan Opera National Council.
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Willie Doonan
Libretto by Valentina Dotsenko

Я Cела B Поезд (I Took A Train)
Act 3, Scene 2

Katya’s small apartment, sparsely furnished. Alerted that her arrest by the NKVD is imminent, she waits with a small suitcase. She reacts to a train whistle.
 
Что это?                                                  What is it?
Да, я знаю. Это был поезд.                  Yes, I know. It was a train.
Сегодня я насчитала                             Today I counted
десять сигналов.                                    ten signals.
Несколько лет назад их было              A few years ago there were 
всего три:                                                only three:                                    
утром, в полдень и ночью.                   for morning, noon and night.
Сейчас их много и куда                        Now there are many and where
идут люди?                                             are the people going?

Несколько лет назад,                            A few years ago, 
я сел в поезд и отправилась                I got on the train and went
отдыхать на море.                                 on a spa vacation by the sea.
За год до моей поездки                        A year before my trip,
там были мои коллеги.                         my colleagues were there.
Они убедили меня побывать там.      They convinced me to go there.
Мне прислали открытку,                      They sent me a postcard 
с видом спокойного моря                     with a view of the calm sea. 
О, море, я люблю море.                         Ah, the sea, I love the sea,

Когда они вернулись,                           When they returned,
я слушал их рассказы                          I listened to their stories
и видел их радость и покой.               and saw their joy and serenity.

После их визита я мечтала                 After their visit I dreamed
о своем будущем отпуске.                 about my future vacation.
Я мечтала о роскоши                          I dreamed of luxury
и вкусной еде.                                      and delicious food.
Я мечтала стоять                                 I dreamed of standing 
на балконе                                           on a balcony                  
и смотреть на утреннее                     and looking at the morning
и вечернее солнце.                             and evening sun.
Я мечтала о волнах                             I dreamed of waves
которые будут ласкать                       that would caress
мои ноги.                                              my feet.
Эта мечта дает мне надежду	       This dream gives me hope
на лучшую жизнь.                               for a better life.
На море, на море,                               By the sea, by the sea,
Я люблю море,                                     I love the sea,
всегда море.                                        always the sea.

Так что теперь я жду,                         So now I'm waiting,
но я не знаю что случится.                but I don't know what will happen.

Я Cела B Поезд, Tatev Baroyan soprano (Willie Doonan A3S2)

Tatarochka - Russian Folk Dance for 3 Dancers

Willie Doonan Act 2

In a rural village a young lady is courted by two neighbors competing for her attention.

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This selection is part of the entertainment for guests of the Moscow Amercian Embassy Gala (1935).

Tatarochka (Willie Doonan Act 2)

Я Tough Guy  (I Am A Tough Guy)
Aria for Baritone

Act 2 - American Moscow Embassy Spring Gala 1935

NKVD officer Ivan's request to dance with Katya is declined. Philip distracts Ivan with the title of "Tough Guy".

Ivan: (to Philip)

I know dis vird: "tough guy".		                  I know this word:                                      
                                                                          "tough guy"
Американский актер Джеймс Кэгни.          American actor
                                                                          James Cagney.
Да, я "tough guy".		 		                  Yes, I'm a tough guy.
Я "tough guy".					          I'm a "tough guy".
Берегитесь и будьте осторожны.		  Watch out and
                                                                          be careful.
Если вы умный, вы поймете.	 		  If you're smart,
                                                                          you'll understand.
Но будьте осторожны, что вы говорите.    But be careful what
                                                                          you say.
Будьте осторожны, что вы делаете.		  Be careful what
                                                                          you do.
Я слушаю и запоминаю.				I listen and remember.
Я смотрю и реагирую.				I watch and react.
Я "tough guy".					        I am a tough guy.
Если вы умны, вы будете  	                        If you are smart,
подчиняться правилам.                              you will obey the rules.
Если вы забудете,		                       If you forget, you will be
вас научат помнить.                                    taught to remember.
Так что будьте осторожны,         	       So be careful what      что вы говорите.                                          you say.
Будьте осторожны, что вы делаете.	       Be careful what you do.
И не забудьте.					       And do not forget.
Я "tough guy".					       I am a tough guy.

Преступник прячется 	                               A criminal hides
за каждым человеком.                               behind every person.
Каждый человек может	                       Each person can стать преступником.                                             become a criminal.
Никто не уйдёт от закона:			       Nobody will get                             
                                                                       away from the law:
Мужчина или женщина,  			       man or woman,
Молодой или старый.				       young or old.
Я видел каждый тип:				       I've seen every type:
Богатый или бедный,				       rich or poor,
Бесстрашный или испуганный.	 	       fearless or afraid.

Это важно, это важно,			      This is important,
Я не забываю.					       I don't forget.
Я слушаю и запоминаю.	 		       I listen and remember.
Я смотрю и реагирую.			       I watch and react.
Мои работники повсюду.			      My workers are
                                                                      everywhere.
Они слушают и смотрят.			      They listen and watch.
Они сообщают все факты.			      They report all the facts.
Я узнаю все ответы.				      I know all the answers.
Помните, это важно.				      Remember, this is             
                                                                       important.
Прежде чем я спрошу, я знаю ответ.       Before I ask, I know
                                                                       the answer. 
У меня есть все факты.			       I have all the facts.
Если вы умны, вы поймете.		      If you're smart,
                                                                      you'll understand.
Так что будьте осторожны.		      So be careful.
Так что не лгите и не забывайте.	      So don't lie and
                                                                      don't forget.
Я "tough guy".				              I am a tough guy.
Да, я "tough guy".				             Yes, I'm a "tough guy".
Я "tough guy".				              I am a tough guy.

Я Tough Guy, Thomas Hall baritone (Willie Doonan Act 2)

Мы Устроим Пир (We'll Have a Feast)
Libretto - Valentina Dotsenko

Act 3, Scene 2

Katya waits anxiously with a suitcase in her apartment. Rumors cautioned her about the NKVD. There is a knock at her door. Tonya enters.

Tonya realizes that Katya is worried about the gossip and recommends they have a party as a distraction.

They celebrate this idea with a menu of foods and wine, a vow to forget their problems and agree to meet the next day to confirm their plans.

Tonya leaves and Katya dreams about the party. She imagines the joy of the celebration and fantasy stroll on a beach.

Tonya:	Катюша, что ты делаешь?
Katya:	Я жду и жду.
Tonya:	Пожалуйста, ты должна отдохнуть. Тебе надо отдохнуть. 
Katya:	Как я могу отдохнуть? Когда я могу отдохнуть?
	Пока я жду и жду.

Tonya:	Почему ты ждешь? Что ты знаешь?
	Люди сплетничают. Наши соседи говорят,
	но их слова ничего не значат.
	Может, ничего не случится.

Katya:	Может быть, может быть, но пока я жду и жду.

Tonya:	Тебе нужно отвлечься. Да, отвлечься.
	Мы спланируем ужин. Я приготовлю, а ты отдохнешь.
	Хочешь гостей?

(Katya gesticulates her preference for a private celebration.)

	Можем подать борщ и жаркое?

Katya:	Ой, очень вкусно, очень вкусно.
Tonya:	Хочешь салат? Может селедку под шубой.

Katya:	Это будет вкуснятина.
Tonya:	Я принесу очень хороший коньяк. Или мне принести вина?

Katya:	A можно нам все вместе?
Tonya:     Конечно! Конечно!

Katya & Tonya: 
	Устроим пир и забудем все проблемы.
	Это будет здорово.
	Это будет вкусно.
	Отпразднуем и забудем обо всех проблемах.
	К черту наши проблемы.
	Будем есть и пить.
	Мы будем смеяться и петь.
	Это будет здорово.

(Katya and Tonya pretend to raise glasses, click them, drink and laugh together.)

	Устроим пир и забудем все проблемы.
	Это будет здорово.
	Это будет здорово.

Tonya:	Сегодня вечером ты подумаешь,
 	а завтра на работе скажешь мне.
	Ладно?

Katya:	Ладно.
	
(Katya walks Tonya to the door.)

Tonya:	До завтра?
Katya:	Да, завтра.

(Katya and Tonya embrace. Exit Tonya.)

(Katya slowly returns to the chair and stands behind grasping the back.)

Katya:	Завтра, завтра, да завтра устроим пир
	и забудем о своих проблемах.
	У нас будет много смеха и вкусной еды.
	Было бы здорово, если бы мы могли
	прогуляться по пляжу.
	увидеть и услышать волны,
	которые ласкают наши ноги,
	которые ласкают наши ноги,
	наши....

(Katya is interrupted by 3 loud knocks at the door. With resignation, she takes her suitcase and departs.)

Мы Устроим Пир, Duet for soprano & mezzo (Willie Doonan A3S2)

Tap Dance - American 1930s Popular Dance for 2 Dancers

Willie Doonan Act 2

A shy couple enter from opposite sides of the stage. They pass, pause, flirt, then connect and celebrate.

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This selection is part of the entertainment for guests of the Moscow Amercian Embassy Spring Gala (1935).

Tap Dance (Willie Doonan Act 2)

The Caterers and Staff

Willie Doonan Act 2
Aria for Bass

At the beginning of Act 2 is a display of tropical plants, trees, birds, a bear and tables with wine and food chafers. The American Ambassador to Moscow is consulting with his Chargé d’Affaires prior to the arrival of guests for the Embassy Spring Gala (1935).

Recitative:
	Based on replies, I believe tonight will be an event to remember.

Aria:

	The caterers and staff have earned high praise.
	Everything here is crème de la crème.
	Yes, crème de la crème with music and dance,
	Like Broadway abroad, Broadway abroad.
	Imagine our guests when all these delights,
	Inspire their awe with enchanted decors, 
	Of trees, flowers, birds and bears,
	Plus great song and dance for all to enjoy!
	Delicacies, delicacies: caviar, wine,
	Cognac, roquefort, foie gras and more.
	Our guests will taste and hear and see,
	How freedom aids the creative mind.
	Yes, freedom aids the creative mind. 
	Imagine the praise we're sure to receive,
	For food and wine with song and dance.
	Our guests will taste and hear and see,
	How freedom aids the creative mind,
	How freedom aids the creative mind.

(Ambassador waltzes with CDA.)

	Crème de la crème, crème de la crème,
	Food and wine with song and dance,
	Crème de la crème, crème de la crème,
	Yes, freedom aids, freedom aids, 
	Freedom aids the creative mind.

The Caterers And Staff (Willie Doonan Bass Aria Act 2)

Какой Праздник!

Willie Doonan Act 2
SATB Chorus 

Following the American Ambassador's conversation with the Russian Writer a large group of invited guests arrive and marvel at the extravagant presentation with tropical plants, wild life and gourmet cuisine.

Chorus:
Какой праздник!				What a celebration!
Какой праздник!
Какая фантазия, какая мечта!	What a fantasy, what a dream!
Какой праздник!				What a celebration!
Какой праздник!
Какая мечта!                                  What a dream!
Посмотрите на украшение!         Look at the decoration!
Это праздник, который будут     This is a celebration 
помнить.				         to be remembered.

Птиц, птиц, птиц, птиц.	        Birds, birds, birds, birds.
Посмотрите на птиц.			Look at the birds.
Вы видели медведя?			Have you seen the bear?
Где они нашли эти                       Where did they find 
необычные растения?	                these unusual plants?
Это необычные растения.		These are unusual plants.
Посмотрите на выбор.		Look at the selection.
Посмотрите на выбор 		Look at the selection of 
еды и винa.				        food and wine.

Это сон?				        Is this a dream?
Какой прекрасный сон!		What a dream!
Какой праздник!				What a celebration!
Какой праздник!				What a celebration!
Какая мечта!				        What a dream!

Какой Праздник (Willie Doonan Act 2 SATB chorus)

Scene 3 - A Soviet gulag somewhere in eastern Siberia. 

A small group of male prisoners lament the Soviet Plan for a constant replenishment of workers. A detail of female prisoners enter. Katya is among the group. A detail of male prisons enter. Willie is among the group. The guards gather off to one side. Willie sees Katya and carefully gets her attention. He signals her to meet. Willie is surprised and distressed by Katya's appearance. She is dazed and hopeless. He persuades her to live day by day. A female guard notices Katya's separation and escorts her back. Willie gazes at the Siberian forest. He recalls an old oak tree from his childhood. The qualities of strength and endurance inspire him to persevere. The men's guard sees Willie and returns him to the group.

All exit with the Final Curtain.

Willie Doonan A3S3 - Siberian Gulag

Scene 2 - Katya's small apartment, sparsely furnished.

Katya sits and waits with a small suitcase. She worries about rumors of her imminent arrest by NKVD. She reacts to a train whistle. The sound recalls her last train ride to a seaside resort. The memories are a pleasant escape until jolted by a knock at her door. Tonya enters, concerned with Katya's obsession and recommends a party for two on the following day. When Tonya leaves Katya feels reassured. She recalls once more her seaside vacation. There are three very loud knocks. She takes her suitcase and slowly walks to the door as the stage fades to black.

Willie Doonan A3S2 - Katya's Apartment

Scene 1 - A park in Nizhniy Novgorod.

Philip and Willie are dressed in baseball uniforms as they wait for the start of the bottom half of the ninth inning. They discuss their pending contract renewals in November. Philip wants to leave but Willie is undecided. Ivan enters with a group of NKVD agents to monitor the game.
The first two players are retired in order. They are each intercepted by an 
an NKVD agent. Willie bats last and fails to prolong the game. He departs with an agent. Philip is alone and reads an unfinished letter to his sweetheart in America and recalls their life together.

Willie Doonan A3S1 - Baseball Game

ACT II
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Scene - The American Embassy in Moscow, Spaso House. Late April 1935, the American Embassy Ball. An extravagant celebration hosted by the American Ambassador with elaborate decorations including: live animals, birch trees, exotic plants, caterers, entertainers, guests and a famous Russian writer. Several pairs of guests meander with subdued interest in the expensive presentation. The US Ambassador chats with his Chargé d'Affaires.

The Ambassador is introduced to a famous Russian writer (Bulgakov). The writer is indifferent to the Ambassador's pretentious remarks. He says nothing and withdraws at the first opportunity.

Many guests arrive and marvel at the decorations, food and wine along with flying birds and a real bear.

Willie arrives as an honored guest, accompanied by Philip, Katya and Tonya. They marvel at the splendor. The Ambassador visits Willie to hear first hand about the events that led to his fame. Willie talks briefly about the attack and more about his life. The Ambassador loses interest and withdraws. Ivan arrives to monitor the party and joins Philip's group.

The guests are entertained with two dance performances: A tap dance and Russian folk dance.

The band plays a fox trot. The guests pair and dance. Ivan requests a dance with Katya. She declines, but Ivan insists. Willie intervenes and escorts Katya to join the dance. Ivan glares at Willie and Katya. Philip senses danger and distracts Ivan by labeling him “a tough guy.” Ivan recalls the expression from American gangster films and proudly embraces the title.

Willie Doonan - Act 2 - American Embassy Gala - Moscow

Scene 2 - Back lot of a large auto assembly plant in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia

Willie works alone tuning a Model "A" sedan. He reflects on his new life abroad (Aria: "Back home I knew everybody's name."

Co-workers Katya and Tonya enter to detail the car. Katya is hesitant due to Willie's appearance. Tonya tries to reassure Katya. Willie is bewildered by their reactions (Trio: "Maybe they never saw a man like me.")

Philip enters dressed in a baseball uniform on his way to the weekly team practice. After some introductions and discussion he leaves with Tonya who needs some fresh cleaning rags.

Willie and Katya are alone. There is some awkwardness because they don't speak much of each other's language. Willie points to different parts of the car (windshield, mirror, horn, etc.) and says the English word. Katya responds with the Russian word.

Katya asks Willie for the reason he came to Russia. He explains the circumstances. She suggests he might like Russia and decide to stay. Willie responds with (Aria: "America is my home.") Katy understands and agrees with his "love of country." (Duet: "America for you and Russia for me.")

Jack and Roy enter. They are enraged to see a black man working beside a white woman. They taunt Willie, he responds and they attack. Katya flees to get help. Willie prevails as Ivan enters with an NKVD squad. They arrest Jack and Roy. The news of Willies attack and triumph spreads as a chorus of local citizens and autoworkers arrive to celebrate Willie's triumph.


Willie Doonan - A1S2 - Nizhniy Novgorod Factory

ACT I

Scene 1 - A large auto assembly plant in Detroit Michigan

Two American auto workers, Philip and Willie, are struggling to survive during the mid 1930s. They wait with a crowd of workers outside the factory employee entrance for the foreman's announcement of work assignments. Three workers are called and the gate is shut. The remaining workers are desperate and become enraged. A riot occurs. Security is called to restore order.

Philip and Willie comment on their current situation. They try to stay positive (Duet "despite all the rest we're lucky"). But Willie remains despondent (Aria: "All the doors stay shut.")

A clerk enters and scurries about offering copies of job openings at a new assembly plant in Russia. After some discussion they decide to apply for the jobs.


Willie Doonan - A1S1 - Detroit Auto Factory

7 variations for Piano Solo
The fourth variation was modeled after "Nacht" from "Eine Alpensinfonie" by Richard Strauss.

Variations On Deck The Hall

This piece for Brass Dectet is from the collection "3 Postcards" (Touring the Alps, Visit to a Venetian Church and Carnival in Nice). The work was originally commissioned and premiered by the MET opera Brass Quartet.

Visit To A Venetian Church - for Brass Quintet

Piano Quartet for Clarinet, Horn, Violin and Piano
Work in 4 movements
Commissioned and Premiered by Chelsea Chamber Ensemble
Revised 2019

Piano Quartet

3 Postcards for Brass Dectet
from a work originally commissioned and premiered by the MET Brass Quartet.
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Program Notes

Day 2 - Touring the Alps
Dear Aunt R,
After our brief stay in Geneva we drove east and passed distant Mont Blanc. The ride was pleasant, unhurried as the motorway branched south winding upward. Ahead was a packed tunnel. Twenty minutes later we arrived in Italy where Monte Bianco heralded our descent.

Day 5 - Visit to a Venetian Church
Across the Grand Canal we entered the iconic domed basilica, a 17th century tribute to plague victims and survivors. A prominent sculpted altar depicted hope, despair, salvation as light and shadows varnished echoing footsteps and chatter. Tolling bells jolted the serenity — perhaps a reminder of souls long departed.

Day 10 - Carnival in Nice
We reveled on the final night of the annual celebration. There were bands, floats, clowns, a lustful King and an ensemble of lovely plumed dancers. The King pursued his favorite girl but she was indifferent. How did it end?

Love,
- N

3 Postcards for Brass Dectet

Nicholas Skedgell - b. 1952
is a concert music composer whose work has been performed by leading musicians, including members of the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Elmar Oliveira, Dale Clevenger, Leonard Raver, Orchestra New England and presented at Carnegie Hall, Yale University, Brooklyn College and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. He is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music, a student of Nicolas Flagello, violin with Louis Carlini and a member of ASCAP since 1974.

Nicholas Skedgell

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