A Love Charm - (1994)   YR1513

Gary Bachlund & Deborah Shulman

After a story by Hans Christian Andersen

 

For baritone (Prince), mezzo soprano (Princess), high baritone (Valet), character tenor (Mayor), bass (Sir Bumble), soprano (Lady Jollyjaws), lyric tenor (Shepherd), and lyric soprano (Shepherdess) and chamber ensemble. [ circa 45' ]

 

 

 

Read the libretto....

 

Also in German translation by Annette Zühlke: Der Liebe Scharm.

 

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This comic fable speaks of doubting love and seeking proof for it outside the relationship itself. The royal couple's valet play acts as a wise seer, giving false advice which oddly turns out to have meaning and merit after all.

 

The other three one-act operas in the Four Fables are:

 

Prelude to a Fable - (1994)   YR1511 

 

The Emperor's New Clothes - (1994)   YR1514 

 

The Little Match Girl - (1994)   YR1512

 

These Four Fables based on stories of Andersen all share the same chamber orchestration:
Nine players: flute, oboe, clarinet in B flat, harpsichord, piano, first and second violins, viola, violoncello.

 

This score is available from Yelton Rhodes Music, Los Angeles, California