from Act I of the English opera The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

Libretto: Horner Everett

Role: Laurie Moss, a girl who is about to graduate from high school

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: soubrette|lyric soprano

Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day before graduation, 1930s, June

Synopsis: On the eve of her graduation, Laurie wonders what she will do after high school is finished.

from Act II of the English opera The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

Libretto: Horner Everett

Role: Laurie Moss, a girl who is about to graduate from high school

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: soubrette|lyric soprano

Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day before graduation, 1930s, June

Synopsis: At the dinner before her graduation, Laurie makes a speech, thanking her family and telling them that, even though her life in town has been wonderful, she feels as if she wants to see the world.

from Act III of the English opera The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

Libretto: Horner Everett

Role: Laurie Moss, a girl who is about to graduate from high school

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: soubrette|lyric soprano

Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day of graduation, 1930s, June

Synopsis: As the sun rises and she waits to elope with Martin, Laurie realizes that she is about to embark on a whole new life. Everything seems newer and fresher.

from Act III of the English opera The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

Libretto: Horner Everett

Role: Ma Moss, mother of Laurie and Beth

Voice Part: contralto       Fach: contralto

Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day of graduation, 1930s, June

Synopsis: After Laurie has left the house in search of her love Martin, her mother contempletes her departure. On one hand, she is sad because life is no longer planned and easy for Laurie, but she is also happy that her daughter has found her freedom.

from Act III of the English opera The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

Libretto: Horner Everett

Role: Martin, a drifter

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: lyric tenor

Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day of graduation, 1930s, June

Synopsis: Early in the morning before dawn, Martin sits waiting for the sun to rise. When daybreak comes, he and Laurie have planned to elope and start a new life together. He feels a little bit of trepidation though because he is not sure what lies ahead.

from Act II of the English opera The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

Libretto: Horner Everett

Role: Martin, a drifter

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: lyric tenor

Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day before graduation, 1930s, June

Synopsis: Martin tells Laurie that he has grown tired of traveling around. He would rather stay in one place and work the land and find a wife. He suggests that perhaps Laurie could be that wife.

from Act II of the English opera The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

Libretto: Horner Everett

Role: Top, a drifter

Voice Part: baritone       Fach: lyric baritone

Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day before graduation, 1930s, June

Synopsis: Grandpa wants to hear a story and Top responds with this folk song about a man going courting.

from Act III of the English opera The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

Libretto: Horner Everett

Role: Top, a drifter

Voice Part: baritone       Fach: lyric baritone

Setting: A rural farm in Midwest America on the day of graduation, 1930s, June

Synopsis: Martin has decided to run off with Laurie. Top tries to convince him that it is a crazy idea. After all, Martin wouldn't want Laurie living the restless and dangerous life of a drifter.