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Score
The proposal : a chamber opera in one act [piano reduction] / libretto by David Goddard ; composed by Ross Ashley Fiddes.
Library shelf no. 782.1/FID 1 [Available for loan]
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Work Overview
Musically, this work seeks to suggest, if not parody, a Russian ambience. Obvious parodies will be noted, including one which is now somewhat dated.
There was an original intent to provide a companion piece to The Bear by Walton, but to be quite different from that work both musically and in effect. The Proposal unlike the Walton is overtly farcical and builds on set pieces - arias, duets, trios with some recitative and even dialogue. There is a use of formal devices such as motif, rondo form, a chaconne which builds from canon and so forth.
The work was first presented in 1986 in a workshop performance by the (then) Australian Opera, and has since been staged by a further 3 production companies. Some distinguished performers have appeared in or have been involved in the various stagings including Gregory Yurisich, Peta Blyth, Christopher Dawes, Michael Saunders, Jennifer Barnes and Antony Walker.
Work Details
Year: 1985
Instrumentation: Soprano, tenor, bass-baritone, chamber ensemble - flute/piccolo, oboe, B flat clarinet/bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, piano, harp, timpani, percussion (2 players), strings.
Duration: 53 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
First performance: by Australian Opera, Gregory Yurisich, Peta Blyth, Christopher Dawes, David Stanhope — 1986. Sydney
Analysis
Program note and synopsis of Ross Fiddes' "Proposal"
notes by the composer
Videos
Natalya's Aria from The Proposal |
Performances of this work
1988: Newcastle. Featuring Michael Saunders, Sound Construction Company, John Kellaway, Jennifer Barnes, Andrew Coombes.
1986: Sydney. Featuring Australian Opera, Gregory Yurisich, Peta Blyth, Christopher Dawes, David Stanhope.
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