An opera by João MacDowell

 

Monodrama in 2 Acts – 1h 20min.
For solo mezzo soprano

Languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish (Italian in development)
Orchestration: 2fl, 2ob, 2cl, 2bs, 2 hr, 2 tp, 3tb, timp, 1 perc, strings, plus soundscapes playback
Chamber versions:
– Piano and electronics
– Electronics and cello
– Piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, timpani, percussion, string quintet, plus soundscapes playback.

 

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Chamber versions

 

1. Mezzo, piano and electronics

2. Mezzo, piano, cello and electronics

3. Mezzo, cello and electronics (Virtual Plastic Orchestra)

Full Orchestra

Instrumentation:

2 Flutes (2nd doubles on piccolo)
2 Oboes (2nd doubles on English Horn)
2 Clarinets in Bb
2 Bassoons

2 Horns
2 Trumpets in C
3 Trombones

Timpani (4 kettles)
1 Percussionist

Live Electronics: Soundscapes playback

Violins I, II
Violas
Cellos
Basses

 

Note about Soundscapes:

Standard stereo audio files and 5.1 Dolby surround are available for performances.

Audio stems for open tracks apropriate for larger configuration systems with up to 12 independent outputs, plus Max-MSP software programing, can be provided upon request.

Plastic Flowers is about broken hearts in a fabricated universe. We all want love and affection. Virtual reality and promises of instant connection are bound to fall into frustration, for the very nature of the experience. They can be made of paper, or silk, perfectly beautiful in Japanese ornaments, or gathering dust in shelves of Dollar Stores. They are all Plastic Flowers, artificial paradises.

* Check Brazilian Portuguese version.

• Orchestration for chamber orchestra or variable ensemble including electronics available upon request.

• Originally in English and Spanish – Portuguese, Spanish and Italian librettos available upon request.

Composed in Rio de Janeiro, Brasília and New York, June-December, 2012.

More Info:

www.plasticflowerstheopera.com

Plastic Flowers