Complete Scene I from Act of my Opera...

[Majesty]

This is the music of the first scene of the first act. I really don't want to give the plot of idea of the opera away so I will do my best to give a suitable description of the music.

My approach to the opera is about using what works best for me. I use concepts from the history of opera. Therefore, my opera is not meant to be "Opera Seria" of the baroque or of the classical era, nor is it the italian opera of Mozart, Rossini, Puccini or Verdi. Its not the operatic style of the late 19th century/early 20th century. At times the music will be what it needs to be. Hopefully, that will help in understanding the music. Although, I don't think there will be anything that will be difficult to comprehend.

A former teacher of mine and operatic Mezzo-Soprano suggested that I write an opera after hearing some of my choral/vocal music. This suggestion came a couple of year ago. It took me some time to make a final decision on which of my operatic ideas I wanted to go with for my first attempt. I plan to eventually meet with her and discuss the what I have composed so far and the direction of the work. I'm hoping that she will also help in promoting the work for performance. Her name is Angeliki Theoharis. If you google her you will find much info on her.

Here are the links for the entire first scene. The first scene is meant as a set up and an opening.Therefor the scene is short. The first scene is never revisited in the opera again.

The work does rely tonal structure and motifs here and there.

1) Opening chorus of victory with one of the leading characters (Baritone).
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/song...songID=4712509

2) Recitative with leading Character (Baritone) and Chorus member.
At this point the Baritone is conversing with the chorus and becomes a little annoyed before going into his aria.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/song...songID=4831027

3) Short Aria of leading character (Baritone). Music is meant to sound a little pompous, sarcastic, strong and at times noble. The aria is not meant to be long for this particular situation. But, I'm considering adding about 30 more seconds of music.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/song...songID=4831034

4) After Baritone Aria a lesser leading character (Tenor) enters in excitement with something to say. Instead of saying what needs to be said the character talks about how exciting the news is. The Baritone soloist and chorus get annoyed and prompt the "Tenor" to speak, or else. The music then proceeds into a Recitative to end the scene.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/song...songID=4831042

I will have more soon enough.

[reith]

Very nice, particularly the blend with Baroque-sounding rhythms, styles, while still bringing forth your own voice.

So, taking it on a purely musical level, I have little to say.

Opening chorus: jubilant. Nice harmony and progression.

The recitative, (2) was hindered only by having to use electronic means, in that the voice would probably be a little more rubato on the stage - more dramatic pauses, etc. Nice intro and punctuating orchestral chords. I love these recitatives.

3. This sounds pompous in the ceremonial sense - a touch of sarcasm at c 0;25 with a couple of interjections and toward the end! If I may say so, it sounded long enough as it is - about right - but that's just the musical side - trying to visualise it on stage it may well need more music - but as you don't want to reveal the mise en scène, it's hard to tell. I get the impression of a procession ending on the stage.

4. Again, jubilant and uplifting. The progressions and instrumentation are great. Only comment in this rendering is that sometimes the woodwinds seem slightly prominent. Otherwise the balance sounds good.

Lovely music and the scoring can't be commented on except that woodwind prominence but that's the recording medium, not your composing.

Great. Lovely to hear this work.

Reith.

[Majesty]

Thanks for the comments.

To be honest, I am wondering if listeners might feel that music in this scene might seem too conventional or "boring".

Would you say that the music is "too Baroque-sounding"? As you already know I do love to "flavor" my music with "baroque seasonings" but I don't want the music to come across as baroque.

[reith]

Hey again!

To be honest, this isn't enough music to say whether it's too baroque sounding. The Opening Chorus and Act I Scene I aria are definitely contemporary. But the Scene I recitative (after that delightful little opening) hints at the baroque style because of the recitative and the harpsichord. However, neither the recitative 'melody' nor all the harmony is baroque.

The last exert somehow synthesises a mix of baroque with classical in both harmony and rhythmic scoring - but with your twists of harmony. Toward the end it's more your voice than baroque. It's a very warm harmony.

So, huhhhh (so many words just to say) from what's here, no, it doesn't sound too baroque (or early italian). I'll remember to reconsider this when I hear more!

Best of luck with it.
Reith

[Majesty]

Thanks for the reply. Your comments and honesty were very useful and appreciated!