Writing a Modern Opera

[tomhowardbright]

OK. I really need help with a project I'm currently working on. Having been completely inspired by Jerry Springer: The Opera, I want to develop a new style of modern opera. I have two subject matter in mind, which, are both very controversial (though that is not the reason why I'm pursuing them).

I want to use Bertolt Brecht's definition of Epic Theatre to create a modern opera. I want to express my (and others) feelings about our current societies and reflect the situations we face daily.

Please could someone, anyone, help me regarding the process of plot synopsis/libretto, and MUSIC?:confused:

This is such a huge task to be undertaking that I'd really appreciate ANY help.:confused:

PS. Do you think this style could catch on? Please visit my website to learn more about the subject matter.

[ewkarl7777]

Are you familiar with 20th century opera? If not, how will you know if you have created a 'new style of
modern opera'?

Good luck. I can't fault you for a lack of ambition. :)

[nickysnd]

Tom,

I'd have a few questions:

What EWQL products do you own?

Why you don't post here any of your pieces? (score or recording) Not even on your own web site??

How many operas do you know? How well do you know them?

What does mean to you the quote from Luther on your web site?

[DallasComposer]

I think it’s great to ‘think big’ and pursue what you want but I tend to be more of the thought of, ‘just create what you want to create because something is driving you on to do it and do it with all your heart and soul’ and then let others come along later and say ‘he developed a new style’.

Your line of “The Antichrist is among us, and some day soon his identity will be revealed to the whole world.” from your site kind of scares me ... depending on your definition of that word, there are many, many antichrist and anti-everything for that matter, hell I'm anti-Wal-Mart! :D

Would love to hear any sketches, music, text, or set design you have for this, give us more info.

pEaCe

[Pietro]

Why would anyone with good mental health want to write an opera anyway? :p

- Piotr

[tomhowardbright]

ewkarl7777,

OK, when I say, "I want to develop a new style of modern opera", I suppose I mean I want to develop those previous styles and modernise opera, by using techniques offered by Bertolt Brecht. Does that make any sense?

Nicky,

"What EWQL products do you own?"
EWQLSO Gold bundle.

"Why you don't post here any of your pieces? (score or recording) Not even on your own web site??"
I could submit current scores, but I'd rather get recordings mixed and submit together. I've been unable to get Gold Bundle up and running due to only having access to my late delivery of new PC, which only leaves me with a macbook.:( I'm always loading instruments in standalone with mouse clicking on the keyboard, just to hear the FANTASTIC samples! But, sad I know- just too excited to get it up and running!


"How many operas do you know? How well do you know them?"
Bits and pieces, but not enough. Please educate me.:o

"What does mean to you the quote from Luther on your web site?"
Do you mean: What does the quote mean?:confused:


DallasComposer,

‘just create what you want to create because something is driving you on to do it and do it with all your heart and soul’ and then let others come along later and say ‘he developed a new style’.

I know what you mean, I'm really not trying to just develop a new style for developing a new style sake. This is probably the first time (and I really do mean this), that I've ignored the rules, criticism and been really self-motivated to work on a project.

The quote on my web site is supposed to be scary.:p According to the Bible, this is what's coming. Many believe it's already happening!:(

"Would love to hear any sketches, music, text, or set design you have for this, give us more info." I'll definitely be using this forum to post examples for you guys to critique.:)


Pietro,

You saying I'm unbalanced?:eek: This damn lid won't come of this bottle... :rolleyes:

[Pietro]

Pietro,

You saying I'm unbalanced?:eek: This damn lid won't come of this bottle... :rolleyes:

You've got some interesting idea, I'd like to see it happening.

And I was simply saying "no" to opera.

No, wait! Maybe... uhmmm... let's see...

naaah!

"NO" is just fine! :D

- Piotr

[nickysnd]

"How many operas do you know? How well do you know them?"
Bits and pieces, but not enough. Please educate me.:o
That is your own job, of course - unless you choose to ignore it.

"What does mean to you the quote from Luther on your web site?"
Do you mean: What does the quote mean?:confused:
No, I mean: what does it mean to YOU. To be more precise, do you feel the same? - "I feel much freer now that I am certain the pope is the Antichrist?" Also, which pope is the Antichrist - the one contemporary with Luther, or the one contemporary with you? Or maybe any pope is the Antichrist? Do you think that your own religion (or atheism) is superior to the catholic religion? So, what does that quote mean to you, and why do you think it is a good idea to post it on your web site? Don't you think it is a hate message? Don't you think it may be offensive to a lot of people, while not doing any good to anyone?

[ewkarl7777]

I humbly urge all people to avoid a religious argument in this forum.

Nothing good can come from it. No one is likely to convince anyone of anything.

Please, let's go back to discussing music.

[tomhowardbright]

That is your own job, of course - unless you choose to ignore it.


No, I mean: what does it mean to YOU. To be more precise, do you feel the same? - "I feel much freer now that I am certain the pope is the Antichrist?" Also, which pope is the Antichrist - the one contemporary with Luther, or the one contemporary with you? Or maybe any pope is the Antichrist? Do you think that your own religion (or atheism) is superior to the catholic religion? So, what does that quote mean to you, and why do you think it is a good idea to post it on your web site? Don't you think it is a hate message? Don't you think it may be offensive to a lot of people, while not doing any good to anyone?


I think Martin Luther's aforementioned quote (1500s) shows that people have always been predicting who or what is the antichrist. Martin Luther didn't know, I don't know, no one knows. But, it is a powerful quote and that is why it's on my web site. It would be difficult to find a quote EVERYONE agreed with.:eek:

I am not, personally demoting the Catholic Church in the great spectrum of beliefs, by publishing the quote on my site. It is also no reflection of my personal beliefs. As a Jew, I'm no great fan of Luther myself, but also as a human being, find his controversial comments interesting and thought-provoking.

Hope this helps and agree with ewkarl7777 that this wasn't intended as a thread for theological discussion and debate.:)

[nickysnd]

interesting and thought-provoking.
Using insults and hate messages is a very low way to provoke thoughts, IMHO. Some other fanatics now use videotapes to propagate this type of thoughts.

FYI, it is not the religion that interests me, but the civility. Hate messages happen to bother me. How would you like a Hitler quote about Jews on a fellow composer's web site? Do make this experiment: google Luther quote jews and see what you get, look especially here (http://thinkexist.com/quotation/if_i_had_to_baptize_a_jew-i_would_take_him_to_the/194998.html) - even more horrible than the nasty quote on your web site.

There are plenty of nice quotes from Jewish composers and musicians - why don't you quote them instead?

[tomhowardbright]

I've started writing the libretto of my Opera and as well as composing musical ideas and motives. I'm currently looking at 3 Acts although this may be reduced to two as the project takes shape.

Hopefully, I'll be able to share all my experiences on this forum and my web site, where, I'll soon be keeping regular Video Diaries (oh, I'll have to take a wash for that) on the weBlog. I'm sure they'll be times I'll want to throw my hands on the piano or rip up pieces of paper in frustration, but that's life!

I can't discuss the theme of my opera due to copyright issues, but can tell you it's none of the subjects mentioned on my web site, i.e. Antichrist et al.

Thanks for all your help so far!:D

PS. Nicky- I'll be having a "quote of the week" (stop laughing!) on my web site. The aforementioned quote by Luther has now been replaced by one, which I hope, holds more substance for you- God, or as I also like to call him, Jean Sibelius. :cool:

[fongi]

I can´t think of any reason to give John Barry a knighthood, it´s a worthless title anyway !:D