The Ugly Duckling
or
Beauty Is in the Aye of the Beholder
a Gilbert and Sullivan-styled Operetta in two acts
The Sunday Livestreams continue this Sunday April 2, 2023.
(Due to visa processing, I was away from my studio, so there were no livestreams for March 19 or 26. I did however continue work on song 10!)
Ugly Duckling progress Live Streams every Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Beijing time (USA Sunday morning 8 a.m. EST);
next Live Stream Sunday April 2, 2023, 8 p.m. Beijing Time (USA Sunday morning 8 a.m. EST; UK Sunday morning 12 p.m.)
Join Don as he composes the G&S-styled operetta “The Ugly Duckling.”
(This week's live stream will continue work on the composition of song 10 "How It Is.")
Zoom meeting information: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81123961878?pwd=c1dacVB0OUVyQUhJU3FwcUs3bmFoQT09
Meeting ID: 811 2396 1878
Passcode: 563550
Dial by your location
Find your local number:
https://us06web.zoom.us/u/keIN1Zh9hI
WeChat (Weixin) will be posted on Moments
The project's current status
I maintain a weekly update of the project's status on this page. Here you can follow the progress as The Ugly Duckling approaches its completion no later than July 1, 2023. [NOTE: The term "publish" used below refers to posting on this web page.] To see the libretto, print out the music, and listen to the music, go to the The completed portions of The Ugly Duckling page.
Week of April 2, 2023
- I am back in Shenzhen March 27 in time for my April 2 live stream.
- Published another updated ongoing draft of 10 "How It is;" your comments and suggestions invited!
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- WeChat and Zoom live stream for last Sunday was cancelled due to visa issues.
- Happy birthday to me on April 1st!
Week of March 26, 2023
- I thought I would be back in Shenzhen Friday, March 24 in time for my livestream, but the arrival of my visa was moved to the following Monday or Tuesday, so I won't be having a livestream on the 24th. The next scheduled livestream is April 2nd, the day after my birthday!
- I expect to return to Shenzhen March 24 in time for my March live stream.
- Published updated ongoing draft of 10 "How It is;" your comments and suggestions invited!
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- WeChat and Zoom live stream for last Sunday was cancelled due to visa issues.
Week of March 19, 2023
- I thought I would be back in Shenzhen Friday, March 24 in time for my livestream, but the arrival of my visa was moved to the following Monday or Tuesday, so I won't be having a livestream on the 24th. The next scheduled livestream is April 2nd, the day after my birthday!
- I am spending time this week updating my visa in accordance with China's post-COVID rules, and may have little time to further advance song 10.
- Published updated ongoing draft of 10 "How It is;" your comments and suggestions invited!
- Published ipdated Synopsis.
- Published updated Act I libretto, updated to reflect some changes in the words of song 10.
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- The last live stream focused on adding harmony to the expanded melodies in song 10.
- Had a successful WeChat and Zoom live stream last Sunday.
Week of March 12, 2023
- Published ongoing draft of 10 "How It is;" your comments and suggestions invited!
- Had a revelation during my morning shower (I do lots of my creating in the shower!): G&S typically had a (politically incorrect) "fat" woman's role in most of their musicals. In keeping with that G&S tradition but to also expand the idea of beauty being more universal than what has been portrayed in media, the role of Dulcibella can be played by one similar to Hairspray's lead character, plus-sized Tracy turnblad.
- Made minor changes to Song 8 "How Does One Survive?" and published.
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- The last live stream repeated the previous weeks' details on the process of setting words to music (learned from instructions written by Sir Authur Sullivan), and then continued work on song 10.
- Had a successful WeChat and Zoom live stream last Sunday.
Week of March 5, 2023
- During my participation in the G&S group in Atlanta, we never performed the G&S operetta "Princess Ida." Monday night I watched the San Jose Lyric 2017 production of "Princess Ida;" it is the first time I saw the entire operetta. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaPfzWe4n5w&t=1820s
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- The last live stream included details on the process of setting words to music (learned from instructions written by Sir Authur Sullivan), and then continued work on song 10.
- Live stream technical issues; did not start until 8:20, but otherwise had a successful WeChat and Zoom live stream last Sunday.
Week of February 26, 2023
- The original self-imposed deadline for completion of March 1 was moved to April 1 due to a 3-week bout with COVID. Now another reality has set in: I'll be lucky if I can
complete the first of the two acts by April 1! Two things come into play: first, I'm moving on it more slowly than I anticipated, as there's much more "verismo" style of writing than I planned on.
The other consideration is that the music seems to be quite good! This is due to a bit more perfectionism on my part that grew as I got deeply into the project. My new (self-imposed) deadline for the vocal/piano score is now July 1st. - Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- As distinct from song 11, added the song 11a "When I See the Beauty," the final portion of the Prince and Princess duet.
- Additional updates for song 07 "Woo and Coo" (still) to be published; awaiting a singer to help with the soprano and alto parts...
- The last livestream reviewed the completed song 15, and continued work on song 10.
- Had a successful WeChat and Zoom live stream last Sunday.
Week of February 19, 2023
- Song 15 "Chef's Nitemare" completed and published.
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is" and song 15 "Chef's Nitemare."
- Additional updates for song 07 "Woo and Coo" (still) to be published; awaiting a singer to help with the soprano and alto parts...
- Song 15 should be completed for the upcoming live stream for review.
- The last livestream reviewed the status of song 15, and continued work on song 10.
- For some yet unknown reason, the WeChat live stream would not connect, so Zoom was the only stream then available.
Week of February 12, 2023
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is" and song 15 "Chef's Nitemare."
- Additional updates for song 07 "Woo and Coo" (still) to be published; awaiting a singer to help with the soprano and alto parts...
- The last live stream reviewed the status of song10, and for variety switched to song 15..
- 兔年，元宵节快乐！After the last livestream I did get to join people in my community for Lantern Festival fireworks and dining.
Week of February 5, 2023
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- Additional updates for song 07 "Woo and Coo" and the liberetto to be published.
- The last livestream saw a continuation of the musical dialogue between the Prince and Princess in song 10.
- Feedback from livestream commentators encouraged me to make song 10 more operatic in style, which also happens to be my preference, and that's what's happening!
- 兔年，元宵节快乐！Happy Lantern Festival! After my livestream, I'll head outside to watch for any lanterns lifting skyward, carring their messages of hope and prosperity for the New Year.
Week of January 29, 2023
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- Song 07 "Woo and Coo" updates published.
- The last livestream saw the beginning musical dialogue between the Prince and Princess in song 10.
- 兔年，新年快乐！Happy New Year of the Rabbit!
Week of January 22, 2023
- Updated (edited) versions of the synopsis, libretti for Acts I and II, and some songs have replaced older versions.
- In this week's livestream, Don will begin work on song 10, in which Simon and Camilla meet for the first time...
- Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is."
- The first nine songs have been completed and published.
- Song 07 "Woo and Coo" completed and published.
Week of January 15, 2023
- In this week's livestream, Don will begin work on song 10, in which Simon and Camilla meet for the first time...
- Work continues on Song 07 "Woo and Coo." (Should be completed prior to the livestream.)
- Due to the three-week-long setback, the projected completion date has been moved from March 1, 2023 to April 1, 2023.
Weeks of December 18, 25, Jan. 1, and 8
- Don contracted COVID. Although the infection was quite mild, it was still enough to block up his right ear, affecting his concentration and hearing.
The livestreams and the work on the operetta were brought to a standstill. - Successful LiveStream Dec. 11.
Week of December 11
- This week's livestream will be more performance-like than most, as the bulk of time will be spent reviewing the first 9 songs. Your comments, questions, and suggestions are strongly encouraged.
If time permits, work will begin on song 10, in which Simon and Camilla meet for the first time... - Work continues on Song 07 "Woo and Coo." (Should be completed prior to the livestream.)
- Successful LiveStream Dec. 4.
Week of December 4
- Work continues on Song 07 "Woo and Coo."
- Successful LiveStream Nov. 27.
Week of November 27
- Work continues on Song 07 "Woo and Coo."
- Successful LiveStream Nov. 20. Equipment setup is still not ideal, but was finally workable.
Week of November 20
- Work continues on Song 07 "Woo and Coo."
- LiveStream not so successful. Equipment arrived but was not compatible, and the livestream was stopped after twelve minutes. "More and better" equipment has been ordered and is on the way...
Week of November 13
- Work begins on Song 07 "Woo and Coo."
- Succesful WeChat livestream (sort of!). Still having problems with WeChat portion stalling due to overheating phone. If I'm successful with my purchase for this annual 11/11 discount purchasing holiday in China, I hope to have my new livestream equipment in place this coming Sunday livestream.
- Song 06 "The Facts of Life" completed and published on this site.
Week of November 6
- Succesful WeChat livestream (sort of!). At the last minute my camera person had to be excused. I'm currently seeking proper camera and camera switching console resources so the livestreams can be more professionally managed; I would really like you to see the music as it is notated as well as be able to hear everything clearly.
- The next LiveStream will be November 6, 8 p.m. Beijing time. (See above for connection info.)
- Continuing work on SONG 06 "The Facts of Life."
- Made some minor updates to the libretto and published updated libretto and some updated song links.
Week of October 30
- WeChat disabled LiveStream on October 23! Zoom was available. The next LiveStream will be October 30, 8 p.m. Beijing time. (See above for connection info.)
- Continuing work on SONG 06 "The Facts of Life."
- Made some minor updates to the libretto and published updated libretto and some updated song links.
Week of October 23
- Messed up LiveStream time yet again! The next LiveStream will be October 23, 8 p.m. Beijing time. (See above.)
- Currently working on SONG 06 "The Facts of Life."
Week of October 15
- Adjusted LiveStream schedule from Monday to Sunday evening, 6 p.m. Beijing time. We will have a hired camera technician to (hopefully) overcome our technical difficulties.
- I have hired a cameraperson to assist with the livestreams, so hopefully the technical issues will now be at a minimum. We'll make sure you can hear and that the screen is visible.
- Posted SONG 34 "How Does One Survive." It is short and was quickly completed, as it is a reprise of SONG 08.
- Working on SONG 06 "The Facts of Life." This is another song like SONG 04 in that it is combining speech with song.
- Posted SONG 09 "One of My Dreams" on the completed portions page.
- Posted SONG 05 "The Princesses' Greetings" and SONG 08 "How Does One Survive" on the completed portions page.
- Completed a WeChat livestream, but did not do a WeChat livestream--I did not press the start button! I gave a wonderful one-hour presentation that no one except me saw! I did however complete song 08 "How Does One Survive" and have posted it on the completed portions page.
Week of October 8
- SONG 05 The Princesses' Greetings completed, both piano and orchestral scores! In sharp contrast to SONG 04, this one took less than a day, because it consists primarily of pirated sections from Dvořák's New World, Night on Bald Mountain, the storm from the William Tell Overture, and a snppet from G&S's Iolanthe. It provides for a very anti-climatic and humorous entrance for Princess Camilla. All but the version with voice have been posted.
- SONG 04 The King's Lament completed Oct. 5! The song has been posted; the version with voice will be posted shortly.
- Next livestream scheduled for Sep. 9 Sunday evening, 9 p.m. EST (Sep. 10 Monday morning, 9 a.m. BST). As mentioned below, I'm working on fixing the technical issues. I neglected to post here the login instructions for Zoom; that won't happen again. Login information:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85869731714?pwd=TW1EVDhzSHZKMzQ3VGRDYUR2cndKdz09
Meeting ID: 858 6973 1714
Passcode: 513779
Dial by your location
Find your local phone number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbGkPaMFdG
- Livestream had modest success, but still has technical issues. It is difficult to run both WeChat and Zoom and share the music on the screen and the work at the same time due to camera limitations. I'm working on a new setup for the next livestream.
Week of October 1
- Next livestream scheduled for Sunday evening, 9 p.m. EST (Monday morning, 9 a.m. BST). It will definitely be broadcast on WeChat (install instructions below), and will hopefully also be on Zoom. Login information to be posted here later...
- WeChat livestream was a success, in spite of a few minor glitches--the phone disconnected due to overheating! However, attendees remained, got some good feedback from a small group of 62 participants, and concluded on time at 7 a.m. EST (7 p.m. BST).
- There will be a WeChat (Weixin) livestream at 6 a.m. EST Thursday Sep. 29 (6 p.m. BST). I will be working on "The King's Lament" from the operetta "The Ugly Duckling." Your questions, comments and suggestions are welcome!
For those unfamiliar with WeChat, that is the English version of China's Weixin, which is China's version of Zoom. You can install WeChat on your phone or computer from your app store or from https://www.wechat.com/us/
Once installed, you can add me as a contact (WeChat name oorfeo, WeChat ID 13528896144), and go to my Channel page to connect to the stream. - Livestream still delayed; I am working with Zoom and consultants so that the music can be played from the computer and electronic piano without being compromised by the microphone. I'll plan the livestream as soon as I can...
- Planned livestream just unplanned for Monday and moved to Tuesday, thanks to technical issues!
- Planned one-hour Livestream (the first!) of the real-time composition process: Monday, 9 p.m. EST (Tuesday 9 a.m. BST). If all technical issues are sufficiently resolved, it will be on Zoom and on WeChat (Weixin). Details to be posted here by Monday, 9 a.m. EST (Monday 9 p.m. BST).
- Working on SONG 04: The King's Lament. Due to the verismo character of the musical dialogue, this has been the most difficult song to compose thus far.
- Continuing to send emails being sent to advise people and organizations of this project.
Week of September 24
- Emails being sent to advise people and organizations of this project.
- This page updated and additional pages added to accomodate Kickstarter flow.
- Kickstarter submission approved Sep. 22!
- Kickstarter promotional video updated to match updated Kickstarter submission.
- Kickstarter promotional video completed, and until the Kickstarter project is approved and started, it may be seen here.
- Kickstarter submission completed Sep. 19; advised by Kickstarter that approval may take until Sep. 22.
- Work on SONG 04 and SONG 09 delayed, due to technical issues with preparing Kickstarter materials, and to difficulties renewing my visa status due to COVID (but completed successfully!).
- Continue working on the music for SONG 04: The King's Lament
- To Do: publish SONG 09: One of My Dreams
Week of September 17
- Working on video for Kickstarter page
- Working on the music for SONG 04: The King's Lament
- To Do: publish SONG 09: One of My Dreams
Week of September 10
- Completed the music for SONG 03: The Queen's Lament
- Recorded and published a voiceover singing the parts of The Queen's Lament
- Working on the music for SONG 04: The King's Lament
- Some edits on Act I libretto, published
- To Do: publish SONG 09: One of My Dreams
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