The Ugly Duckling
    or
Beauty Is in the Aye of the Beholder

a Gilbert and Sullivan-styled Operetta in two acts

• The project's current status Week of September 24, 2023

• The completed portions of The Ugly Duckling

• Kickstarter information page (no longer applicable, but the information used is still accessible.)

The Sunday Livestream continues Sunday September 24, 2023.

(Continue composing Song 17, "Wedding March")

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 September 24, 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.”

Planned for the September 24 live stream, Don will continue composing Song 17, "Wedding March."

Zoom meeting information: Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84335856224?pwd=OEZwYnJRMk1tM0NJOTdEMTIvcjQxZz09

Meeting ID: 843 3585 6224
Passcode: 226809

Dial by your location
Find your local number:

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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 October 1 the end of the year, 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 September 24, 2023

• Sept. 22, my colleague Sharon and I will be performing three songs, one composed by her, one by me, and one jointly.
  
• Continuing composing Song 17, "Wedding March"
• Had first livestream in my new apartment last Sunday, Sept. 17.

Week of September 17, 2023

• Cancelled Sept. 10 livestream due to relocation in Shenzhen; awaiting internet connection...

Week of September 10, 2023

• Move completed but still unpacking. Had to cancel Sept. 10 livestream as still no internet service.
• I will move to my new address Sept. 6, and the following livestreams will be from my new home. The address is listed on my website's home page.
• Continuing work on Song 17, "Wedding March."
• Successful livestream on the 3rd.

Week of September 3, 2023

• Am in the process of relocating to an area close to Wutongshan but closer to Shenzhen's city center.
• Continuing work on Song 17, "Wedding March."

Week of August 27, 2023

• Started work on Song 17, "Wedding March."
• Completed and published song 14, "A Marvelous Enterprise; completed and published Song 16, "An Apple and An Orange.
• Started Song 16, "An Apple and an Orange." If I finish it before the Aug. 27 livestream, it will be reviewed during the livestream and work will begin on Song 17, "Wedding March."
• Completed music of Song 14, "A Marvelous Enterprise." Am working on final publishable version.

Week of August 20, 2023

• Updated descriptions of completed selections on the Completed songs page.
• Went to Macau August 15 and was a judge in a youth performance arts competition.
• Working on Song 14, "A Marvelous Enterprise." Completed first verse and chorus; working on 2nd (final) chorus.

Week of August 13, 2023

• Went to Hong Kong August 9 and was a judge in a youth performance arts competition.
• Working on Song 14, "A Marvelous Enterprise." Experiencing difficulties with remembering contrapuntal (multiple melody) technique, making progress slower than I anticipated.

Week of August 6, 2023

• Working on Song 14, "A Marvelous Enterprise."

Week of July 30, 2023

• Updated (again!) and published new version of Song 15, "Chef's Nitemare.
• Published Song 13, "The Riddle Song."
• Published the updated libretto for both acts.
• Finalized the score for Song 13, "The Riddle Song."

Week of July 23, 2023

• For the first time (!!!), all technical aspects of the livestream worked properly, including live chats in both Zoom and in WeChat.
• Completed notation for Song 13.
• "Corrected" the harmony and modulations for Song 15, "Chef's Nitemare," and published the corrections.
• Added a second verse to song 14 and made some minor additional changes to the libretto for both acts.
• I do much of my work in the shower! July 18, made changes to the opening number, 01 "Stream the Streamers"--added some chorus parts toward the end. The updated version has been published.
• Continuing work on (and hopefully finish) Song 13, "The Riddle Song."
• Had technical difficulties with WeChat during the July 9 livestream, but got it working OK on the 16th.

Week of July 16, 2023

• Attended an AI workshop on the 14th; will be utilizing some of the training to improve the computer-generated presentations of the completed music. No animated figures, but improved vocal representation and coordination with the video of the score.
• Continuing work on Song 13, "The Riddle Song."

Week of July 9, 2023

• Published an incomplete status draft recording of current work on Song 13. This gives you the flavor of the "formal" setting of the constitutionally required riddle.
• Continuing work on Song 13, "The Riddle Song."

Week of July 2, 2023

• Continuing work on Song 13, "The Riddle Song."

Week of June 25, 2023

• Started composing Song 13, "The Riddle Song."
• Completed and published the Sibelius-generated Song 12, "Grand Entrance: Stream the Streamers (Reprise)".
• Started composing song 12, "Grand Entrance: Stream the Streamers (Reprise)"
• Completed and published the Sibelius-generated Song 11a, "When I See the Beauty."
• Good livestream; almost completed song 11a, "When I See the Beauty."

Week of June 18, 2023

• Completed and published the Sibelius-generated Song 11, parts 1 and 2; I am working on the first love duet, Song 11a, "When I See the Beauty."
• I was late posting this weeks' updates for the website.

Week of June 11, 2023

• Continuing work on Song 11, parts 1 and 2; I am enriching the harmony of the duet parts as well as of the accompaniment.

Week of June 4, 2023

• I'm struggling with the creating of a coloratura passage in Song 10 part 2; will likely explore that process in the upcoming June 4 livestream...
• I've posted  Song 10 part 1; part 2 is based on the same melody, and I've posted a draft of that. I still have a lot of polishing to do before the final versions of Part 2 is published.
• Visited Chongqing, traveling with my colleague Sharon and her brother, and will be submitting a story of my visit to the Shenzhen Daily English Edition.

Week of May 28, 2023

• I've posted a draft of Song 10 part 1 so you can become familar with the melody; part 2 is based on the same melody. I still have a lot of polishing to do before the final versions are published.
• A happy coincidence: the first verse of the very romantic song 11a  "When I See the Beauty" makes a pun on Princess Camellia's name, a homophone with the flower, spelled Camilla. I had resigned myself to the basic lack of parallel wit in the second verse with the name Prince Simon. Monday night, while my music colleague Sharon and I were looking up the meaning of "Simon," I was happily surprised to discover that there is a species of poplar tree called the Simon poplar!  Thus I unwittingly created a far more romantic and poetic set of lyrics than I had previously imagined!
• Continuing work on songs 11 "When Circumstances Take the Stage" and 11a.
• No livestream on May 28. I will be in Chongqing to attend the concert of a musician friend and to explore collaboration possibilities, as well as to explore Chongqing!

Week of May 21, 2023

• Continuing work on song 11 "When Circumstances Take the Stage."
• The May 12 electrical fire has me showering and eating in other places, but at least I can sleep in my home; even the elevators are powerless, but thankfully I live on the 3rd floor. Some residents aren't so lucky (it's a 10 floor building!). They are modernizing the wiring, and should be finished in five to seven days. I anticipate things being back to normal in time for the May 21 livestream.

Week of May 14, 2023

• May 12, an electrical fire wiped out all the power in my building! This includes my livestream studio. I anticipate things being back to normal in time for the May 21 livestream.
• Work has started on song 11 "When Circumstances Take the Stage."
• Song 10 "How It Is" is published on the Completed Portions webpage.
• October 1. The new self-imposed deadline. As reality finally (once again!) set in, it became apparent that even the October deadline may be difficult to meet, but I'm gonna give it a try...
• Song 10 "How It Is" is finally finished! This 15+ minute composition unnecessarily but unavoidably took four months to complete.

Week of May 7, 2023

• During the livestream (alas, more technical difficulties!), much of the work on song 10 was completed.
• On my road trip, various circumstance limited my work on song 10, and yet again did not finish it. Shortly after performing two songs with Mr. Hu, I experienced a bout of stomach flu. We stayed in a brand new (still being completed) farm hotel for three days, then my music colleague Sharon and I went to Chongqing. There we had the great honor of having lunch with Maestro Wen, Chongqing's preeminent choral and music director. We will be returning to Chongqing to attend a choral concert of his works to be performed May 27.

Week of April 30, 2023

• No livestream on April 30, due to road trip. I will resume May 7...
• I've been doing a "reality check," and will be consulting with colleagues as to what a reasonable completion date would be for the vocal-piano score, as it obviously won't be ready by the desired July 1 date. I'll let y'all know...
• I and my music colleague Sharon will be joining my friend Mr. Hu in Tianjin on April 30 for a music road trip that will last 5 to 7 days. I may not be able to host my usual livestream on the 30th;
  I will post information here during the daytime of the 30th as to the livestream status for that evening.
• Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is;" I thought it would be completed by the 9th, then the 16th, and the 23rd, but now I'm again shooting for this week; all that's left is the harmony for the last few measures. Then a review and start songs 11 and 11a.
• I came across an unanticipated challenge--Princess Camilla needed to sing laughter about 15 minutes in to song 10. Most composers would fit the laughter to the music, but I wanted to fit the music to the laughter. I reached out to a 'net colleague, Ziazan, a wonderful singer and bel canto specialist (https://www.ziazan.co.uk), who gave me some much needed perspective. It took me several days to come up with a solution.

Week of April 23, 2023

• The Shenzhen Daily news English edition published an article about last Sunday's "Symphony in the Park" event, and includes a front page picture me and a mention and quote in the article. You may see the pic and article at http://szdaily.sznews.com/PC/layout/202304/17/node_01.html#content_3054071 .
• Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is;" I thought it would be completed by the 9th, then the 16th, but now I'm again shooting for this week! Then a review and start songs 11 and 11a.

Week of April 16, 2023

• Completed the Princess' segment of her telling her secret.
• Got sidetracked with another project, to prepare for an April 16 "Symphony in the Park" event, in which I was one of around a dozen chosen to conduct the Shenzhen University Orchestra in an arrangement of the opening theme of "Game of Thrones" by Ramin Djawadi. Dissatisfied with the chamber orchestral arrangement offered to us, I updated it to more closely match the original arrangement. I did get to conduct my arrangement, as did several others.
• Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is;" I thought it would be completed by the 9th, but now I'm shooting for this week! Then a review and start songs 11 and 11a.

Week of April 9, 2023

• Published another updated ongoing draft of 10 "How It is;" your comments and suggestions invited!
• Work continues on Song 10 "How It Is;" Should complete by next week and start songs 11 and 11a.

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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