Complete Act I - Scene I:
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 and the story. 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 years 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. She has founded a small opera company in Boston and I'm hoping she will help in its promotion.
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).
SoundClick song info: Opera (Opening Chorus) by Hansani Archibald - Young composer of Soulful Classical Music
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.
SoundClick song info: Opera (Act I, Scene I - Recitative) by Hansani Archibald - Young composer of Soulful Classical Music
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.
SoundClick song info: Opera (Act I, Scene I - Aria) by Hansani Archibald - Young composer of Soulful Classical Music
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.
SoundClick song info: Opera (Act I, Scene I - Solo and Chorus) by Hansani Archibald - Young composer of Soulful Classical Music
5) This is actually Scene IIa (as I call it). Here the scene is tension filled with some very unfortunate news.
SoundClick song info: Opera (Act I - Scene IIa) by Hansani Archibald - Young composer of Soulful Classical Music
I will have more soon enough.