After the Race: a stage dramaturgy for actor, baritone, four voices, chamber ensemble, & live electronics
ca. 30 min.
composed 2022-23
Music by J. A. Devor
Libretto by J. A. Devor, adapted from James Joyce
Full Instrumentation:
- J – silent actor and laptop player
- V – bass-baritone [F2 – F#4]
- four vocalists
- 1 – high voice
- 2 – medium voice
- 3 – medium voice
- 4 – high voice
- flute/piccolo/alto flute
- clarinet in B♭/clarinet in E♭/bass clarinet
- soprano saxophone/alto saxophone/tenor saxophone
- two offstage trumpets in C (optional)
- percussion: tuned pipes, axatse, field drum, xylophone, small triangle, brake drums (3)
- harp
- electric guitar
- onstage upright piano
- pipe organ (optional electric organ)
- live electronics (Max/MSP patch)
- violin 1 (solo)
- violin 2 (solo)
- viola (solo)
- violoncello (solo)
- contrabass (solo)
Table of Contents:
- Prelude – Pellets in the Groove
- Part I
- Blue Cars
- Mask of a Capital
- Organ Interlude – Chorale Prelude on Cadet Rousselle
- Part II
- A Light Supper
- A Long Speech
- Cards! Cards!
Program Note:
After the Race expounds upon the default destructive nature of one’s inner self, especially when left unchecked by friends or family. J finds himself among an expanding group of popular compatriots, and believes the best route to success is to be popular by proxy. As the story unfolds, every attempt of J’s to be perceived as upper class ends unsuccessfully, with the rest of the group becoming increasingly amused by J’s failures.
This setting does not intend to present the original story plotpoint by plotpoint. Instead, After the Race explores dramatic and musical techniques which highlight J’s incessant failures, portraying him as a remorseful fool who refuses to change.
written in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Music Performance – Composition degree from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford