22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Little Puppets' Symphony: A Work for Musical Theatre
Girolamo Deraco♦
Dr. Warren Gooch, Faculty Mentor
This experimental work involves a collaboration for dancers, actors and musicians. It may also call for audience participation. The libretto of the work involves an intentional blending of two languages, English and Italian (the composer's native language), which are juxtaposed in interesting and hopefully entertaining ways throughout the short production. The plot of this musical-theater fusion work deals with an Italian composer's search for inspiration. Three "dancer-puppets" each portray a specific artistic idea, represented by the colors red, yellow and blue (primary colors). It is up to the composer to find a successful way to integrate these three idea-colors into his musical work. Interaction between the composer and his ideas generate the plot motion of the work. The music involves a blending of rhythmic motives, short melodic gestures, clever tunes and extended instrumental effects that are intended to appeal to a wide audience, especially children. The musical work is scored for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, trombone and two percussionists.
Keywords: Composition, Music, Theatre, Italian, Dance, Collaboration
Topic(s):Music
Italian
Theatre
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 47-5
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 3:45