Song of the Most Beautiful Bird of the Forest
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Date
2020-09-24
Authors
Ralls, Justin
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Song of the Most Beautiful Bird of the Forest is an English-language chamber opera scored for soprano, bass-baritone, mezzo-soprano, tenor, solo dancer, dance ensemble, and mixed instrumental ensemble of ten players. The libretto and story are original and written by the composer, adapted and reimagined from a traditional African legend of the Mbuti people. The libretto contains additional text from William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The opera is comprised of three acts and is approximately ninety minutes in duration. The work serves as an exploration and synthesis of world mythology, traditional storytelling, dance, opera, and soundscape ecology. The work is conceived in a conventional operatic structure, including acts, scenes, arias, duets, and ensemble dances. A solo dancer portrays the role of the ‘Most Beautiful Bird.’ Song of the Most Beautiful Bird of the Forest is the composer’s second opera.
Description
Keywords
Anthropology, Dance, Ecomusicology, Mythology, Opera, Soundscape