Inspired by the writings of Italo Calvino, Paul Dresher's The Tyrant is a solo chamber opera written for tenor and long-time collaborator John Duykers.   It depicts the claustrophobic world of a despot who is so afraid of being overthrown that he refuses to leave his throne.   Isolated deep within his palace, the Tyrant is forced to experience his kingdom entirely through the medium of sound.   After years of absolute control and constant vigilance, he is weary and overcome with doubt and fear. 2007. DVD-R.