the contract

(click here to listen)

Act 1 

1     Opening; establishing community     2.34
2     Anticipation: getting ready for the play     0.48
3     Post-play activity     0.17
4     Post-performance reception     1.18
5     Young people's dance     1.22
6     Will arrives home     1.50
7     Dot and Will alone     1.59
8     Young People's dance     1.41
9     Dance: introduction of the virus     3.26
10     The virus is passed to mother     1.45
11     Electrical failure: panic, helplessness     1.04
12     Conflict between Father and Elder     1.42
13     Eva Arrives     1.52
14     Community afflicted and confused     1.39
15     Men negotiate the Contract     3.29
16     The Contract is made     1.34
17     Healing scene     8.00
18     Community rejoicing     1.47
19     Collapse of Eva     1.36
20     Preparing to sleep     2.24

          Act 2

21     Opening, all quiet     1.59
22     Eva's solo begins     2.00
23     Eva's Solo continues     2.25
24     Seduction begins     3.10
24     Seduction continues     1.39
24     Climax and discovery     1.17
24     Moral confrontation     1.34
24     Quintet of dancers     5.07
24     Children's interlude     2.03
25     Eva ridicules hypocrisy     3.41
26     Children are led away     3.05

         Total timing     70:30

Musicians:

The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, ORMSBY WILKINS
Jennie Such, soprano

World premiere recording of Michael Torke's music for a ballet by James Kudelka