The piano teacher chamber opera in one act

• Main Author: Feraru, Tudor
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2008
• Subjects: Opera one act
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/2522

The thesis for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition consists of an original musical work, accompanied by an analytical document. “The Piano Teacher” is a chamber opera in one act, based on a libretto by the composer, adapted from the fantastic tale “With the Gypsy Girls” by Mircea Eliade. With a duration of approximately fifty minutes, the work calls for four singers (tenor, soprano, bass-baritone, mezzo-soprano) and fifteen instrumental parts (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, harp, two violins, viola, cello, contrabass). The aim was not only to set to music a symbolic story, but also to adopt a personal approach to the operatic genre. This approach proposes a less explicit plot, as well as minimal stage design. In adapting the story, the central character of the teacher receives an extensive music-dramaturgical role, while the other characters are assigned relatively equal supporting roles. The opera comprises a prelude and twelve short scenes, most of which unfold uninterruptedly. A thorough discussion of the nature, influences, and vocabulary of the opera accompanies the musical score. The analytical document concentrates on particular musical ideas, as well as on several cyclical elements, providing detailed exemplification to illustrate their use. Both the score and the analysis suggest possible approaches to the stage production of the opera.