The Bear & The Scarf

The Bear Music by William Walton Libretto adapted from Anton Chekhov by Paul Dehn and William Walton Lyrics by Paul Dehn Commissioned by the Koussevitsky Foundation of the Library of Congress and dedicated to the memory of Serge and Natalie Koussevitzky. Madame Popova is still in deep mourning seven months after her husband’s death. She stays alone at her country house, refusing to go out or to see anybody. Suddenly, Smirnov arrives and rudely insists on seeing her. Popova’s late husband owed him 1200 roubles and he demands the debt be paid at once because his creditors are after him.   Popova delays.  Smirnov insists, makes light of Popova’s mourning, and refuses to leave. They angrily vie with one another: “Men are rude and inconstant!” “Women are fickle and manipulative!” (It turns out that Popova’s husband was actually a liar and cheat, but she remains true to his memory just to show him how faithful a woman can be.)  Smirnov challenges her to a duel for insulting him and Popova brings out her husband’s pistols. At this point Smirnov realizes that he has fallen in love with this tough, spunky woman. Popova vacillates for a moment, but they end up in each other’s arms.  (Based on Chekhov’s play, The Boor.) The Scarf Music by Lee Hoiby Libretto by Harry Duncan Commissioned by the Curtis Institute of Music. The Scarf was first performed on June 20, 1958, at the Festival of Two Worlds, at Spoleto, Italy. During a fierce winter blizzard, Miriam sits knitting a red scarf.  Her elderly husband, Reuel, accuses her of casting a spell in order to attract a young man to their home.  Suddenly, a knock at the door reveals a Postman, seeking refuge from the storm.  Reuel angrily believes her charm has worked again.  The Postman falls asleep by the stove and Miriam sings a wild incantation.  Reuel can’t stand it any longer and insists the Postman leave.  While Reuel is out harnessing the horses, Miriam and the Postman embrace.  She gives him the scarf and casts a spell that will bring him back to her.  But in reality, her charms always fail and although the scarf returns, it is wrapped around her husband’s neck.  In a fury, Miriam strangles her husband with the scarf and rushes out into the night.  (Based on Chekhov’s story, The Witch.)