In our community Chorale, we are preparing a Kaleidoscope of pieces from many eras. They cover quite a range from Renaissance to Modern day. Because I am currently writing a Children's Musical set in northern France in the 1500's, I am quite interested in the few Renaissance pieces. They have helped me get in the mood to write the needed courtly dances in a more authentic way.
My sister who just retired from the Tabernacle Choir is very skilled at creating costumes. We met together last week to discuss how she might like to help me out, and she volunteered to create the costumes for my older actors (9-12 year olds). She also is well-versed in period-appropriate dress. And as an actress/singer herself, she knows just what will work on stage --- even with little people. I am getting excited to see what she comes up with.
But back to the music. I have two plastic trumpet props. So, I decided to write parts for two Heralds. Their jobs will be very important --- they will introduce the show at the beginning and play fanfares at other transitions. Of course, they need appropriate music suitable to their official tasks.
My sister who just retired from the Tabernacle Choir is very skilled at creating costumes. We met together last week to discuss how she might like to help me out, and she volunteered to create the costumes for my older actors (9-12 year olds). She also is well-versed in period-appropriate dress. And as an actress/singer herself, she knows just what will work on stage --- even with little people. I am getting excited to see what she comes up with.
But back to the music. I have two plastic trumpet props. So, I decided to write parts for two Heralds. Their jobs will be very important --- they will introduce the show at the beginning and play fanfares at other transitions. Of course, they need appropriate music suitable to their official tasks.
Fortunately, I have costumes I can use from a previous show. The Balladeers costumes from "The Adventures of Dick Whittington" will work for the two Herald Trumpeters as well as become basic pieces for some of the Knights.
To the music again. I decided that as an Opener after the initial Trumpet Fanfare and welcome by the Heralds, we needed a Courtly Dance to get the Lords and Ladies onto the stage. And after singing some of these Renaissance chorals at Chorale and listening to some fun authentic instrumentals, I just have to do the Courtly dances in a minor mode resolving to major at the cadence.
This might be a little gutsy for a Children's Theater piece, but I just have to do it. Here's a sample from the Opener in "The Frog Prince."
This might be a little gutsy for a Children's Theater piece, but I just have to do it. Here's a sample from the Opener in "The Frog Prince."
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