Stacy Garrop

For Such a Time as This

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS, for female narrator/singer and string quartet, is a monodramatic retelling of the events of the Book of Esther from Esther’s perspective. The narrative hinges on the introspective question, “Who knows if I am chosen for such a time as this?” as Esther wonders whether she, as a Jewish woman in the royal courts of ancient Persia, has the agency necessary to save her people from Haman, the vengeful official seeking to have them all killed. Garrop shines a light on Esther’s central question by making it the only sung passage in the piece. Throughout, the text by celebrated librettist and playwright Jerre Dye is contextualized, commented upon, and illuminated by a tapestry of motives and effects from the quartet, resulting in a vivid and memorable miniature theatrical event, suitable for Purim celebrations as well as standard concert performances. For advanced performers.