Advanced Composition Search: 2012

THE SINGING LESSON – Chamber Opera in Three Acts Based on the short stories of Katherine Mansfield (PD) for 2 Lyric Sopranos, 2 Dramatic Mezzo-Sopranos, 1 Lyric Contralto, 1 Tenor Buffo, 1 Basso Buffo, and small chamber orchestra : Cl in Bb, Bsn, Tpt in C, Bs Tbn, vln, cb, and Perc (1-2): wind chimes, triangle, sleigh bells, cowbell, tam-tam, vibraslap, wood block, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, tubular bells, snare drum, bass drum, and celesta.

ACT ONE / THE GARDEN PARTY: Synopsis: Laura is helping her mother, Mrs. Sheridan, in the preparations for a garden party, when it is discovered that a death has transpired at a nearby working-class neighborhood.  Laura is in favor of cancelling the party, but other members of her family are not.  After the party is over, Laura is instructed by her mother to visit the bereaved family, which results in an enormous personal change – or does it?

The Violoncello Concerto No. 3 continues John Melby’s series of concerti, numbering (in March of 2012) 21 such works, but with a difference: the others, with one exception, have substituted a computer-synthesized accompaniment for the traditional orchestra, but this piece is part of a series of concerti for instruments with orchestra. The concerto, completed in March of 2012, is cast in one extended movement of about 26 minutes in duration for violoncello and orchestra and takes full advantage the virtuosic capabilities of the cello.