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The Snow Queen
Composer:Richard Peaslee
Librettist:Adrian Mitchell
Synopsis
The story of the opera incorporates several elements of Norse mythology that influenced Andersen's choice of characters, placing the Snow Queen's roots in the person of "Skadi" the Norse goddess of snow, skis, and sleds. These elements, and other elements like them, allow for an eruditemisture of musical styles in the opera. It has sections of strong tonality, modality, atonality, and of minimalism. It cincorporates material influenced by the fold music of Norway, particularly Hardanger fiddle music. The message of the opera is one of hope, and its form is extremely accessible. This mature setting of the Adnersen story that is designed appeal and challenge audiences of all ages and all musical backgrounds. The main characters of the opera have been changed from the children of the Andersen story into young adults on the verge of leaving their childhoods. Themes of growth, trust, perseverance, and the overall triumph of the greatest good over the most hideous of evils makes the opera universally appealing for all of its 74 minutes of music.

Title Information

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Approximate Runtime (hh:mm)
01:14

 Number of Acts
3

 Musical Style
Magical, modal, largely tonal

 Vocal & Musical Forces
Gerda - soprano Kay - baritone Skadi (the Snow Queen) - mezzo Secondary roles can be combines, with a single contralto singing the roles of Edda, the Robber Woman, and the V9olva; a mezzo soprano singing the roles of the Reindeer and the Crow. There is quite a bit of dance in the opera, and the score calls for at least four dancers. It is scored to 2 flutes, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, 2 percussion players, 2 horns, harp, and strings.


 
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