Gabaston / Act 2 scene 10 / Bernard Salles 

Gabaston, an opera in two acts by Bernard Salles
Libretto by Eleanor and Peter Martindale
Act 2 scene 10
Edward II: Akash Gadamsetty
Gabaston: Xavier Flabat
Priest: Philippe Wlekly
Chorus: Tutti Canti (direction: Eloise Aymerich)
Orchestre Symphonique Alénya Roussillon (OSAR)
Direction: Bernard Salles
Studio recording Caves Ecoiffier Alénya 10.02.24
After scene 9, where Gabaston and Edward prepare for war against the barons, a large orchestral interlude depicts the war scenes. At the end of this, Gabaston is captured by the barons. Scene 10 (final) is divided into two stage spaces: on one side a cell where Gabaston waits to be executed, on the other a church where Edward II and the rest of the court attend the baptism of the future Edward III. The priest officiates the baptismal service, accompanied by the voices of a chorus of nuns and monks, but Edward does not seem present, thinking only of his lover and the tragic fate that awaits him. They dialogue in thought, alternated by the interventions of the priest. At the end of the scene, the barons enter Gabaston's cell with the executioner to bring him to his death: the curtain falls at the same time as the sword on Gabaston's neck.
For more information about the opera, please visit the dedicated website:
bcccsalles.wix...