Une fille qu'on appelle Boule de Suif

Isabelle Aboulker’s A Girl Called Dumpling, for Mixed Choir, Narrator and Instrumental Ensemble (Vocal score).

“Choosing an opera libretto is always delicate, particularly if the work is aimed at young adults or teenagers (performers and audience). Published in 1880, Guy Maupassant's short story 'Dumpling' contains all of the elements essential to the process, fruition and purpose of my work. In 1870, France was conquered and occupied. The Prussians marched into Rouen. The analogies with contemporary history are numerous, and offer choir conductors and teachers multiple sources of reflection and analysis. The dignitaries whoreadily give in to power and collaborate with the occupier contrast with a young prostitute who is brave, generous and patriotic. The libretto was taken straight from the original text, though some cuts were necessary in order to keep the rhythm and momentum required in setting Maupassant’s story to music”. -Isabelle Aboulker