A new opera -- with original libretto and music by Ari Frankel -- inspired by the life, writings, and death of Primo Levi [1919-1987]. The work does not quote Levi's words, preferring to channel impressions while exploring implications, through tonal and modal orchestral poetry. to scratch an angel's timeline, singing and sounds morph techniques in search of truth, passion, and knowledge. A serious, attractive work, it looks at life, and at living without being alive; exploring emotions with unblinking honesty, visits mortal actions and tracks their consequences.

"I write because I am a chemist," explained Levi. "Chemistry is a struggle with matter, a masterpiece of rationality, an existential parable. Chemistry teaches vigilance combined with reason." "I compose because I am alive," explains Frankel. "At his best, Levi's palette was humankind and language. Those battlefields are where to scratch an angel's journey begins. I simply had to create this work, even with no commission or promise of performances."

New York City Opera performed 30-minute excerpts from to scratch an angel as part of their Showcasing American Composers series, conducted by George Manahan. American Opera Projects then produced full 90-minute piano & voice readings of the powerful, tonal/modal work, led by Steven Osgood, directed by Robin Guarino. to scratch an angel is now poised for exciting, successful premieres.