.Gabriel (pronounced DOT GABRIEL) is an opera in two acts (to be performed continuously) written by American composer Robert J. Bradshaw. The libretto, also by Bradshaw, was inspired by the composer's online experiences with social networking websites, instant messaging, chat rooms and email correspondence.[1]
About the Opera
editProgram notes (included in the published score) state: .Gabriel is an allegory for society’s increasing perception of connection to the world through the Internet, while in actual fact separating ourselves from physical interaction. The false perception of safety and protection (and ultimate isolation) of electronic relationships at times promotes posting statements or images people would never consider saying (or doing) in person.[2] Although Principal interacts with the other members of the cast, they never come in contact with each other. A scrim represents the physical barrier (the computer screen) that separates Principal from the living world around her."[1]
.Gabriel is a composition where the trumpet performs as one of the main characters, interacting on stage with the vocalists. [3]
Premiere Performance
edit.Gabriel was written for the 2010 International Trumpet Guild Conference to be held in Sydney, Australia. Currently, the opera is scheduled for premiere on Friday, July 8, 2010.[4]
Premiere Recording
edit.Gabriel was recorded at the University of South Carolina (January 5-7, 2010).
Roles (Premiere Recording)
edit| Role | Voice type | Recording Cast, January 5-7, 2010 (Engineer: Jeff Francis) |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriel, Principal's unknown companion. | trumpet | James Ackley |
| Principal, A young woman obsessed with the Internet. | soprano | Tina Milhorn Stallard |
| Memory I, A persistant memory trying to resurface in Principal's mind. | tenor | Walter Cuttino |
| Memory II, A persistant memory trying to resurface in Principal's mind. | bass-baritone | Jacob Will |
Notes
editReferences
edit- Bradshaw, Robert J. (2009), .Gabriel, Beauport Press, Gloucester, Massachusetts. ISBN 978-0-9822775-1-5
- Official opera .Gabriel website
- International Trumpet Guild Conference 2010 website
- The New York Times article about learning how not to share too much personal information on social networking sites
External links
edit- Robert J. Bradshaw's website
- An article detailing Robert J. Bradshaw's previous work with the trumpet community
- Opera publisher Beauport Press
- Opera Australia
- University of South Carolina School of Music
[[:Category:Operas]]
[[Category:Operas set in America]]
[[Category:English-language operas]]
[[Category:International Trumpet Guild]]
[[Category:2009 operas]]