Don's 2026 Projects:
Don has two major projects, one the production of a completed opera, the other
the composing of the second and final act of a comic operetta.
Ode: Intimations of ImmortalityListen to the music here The poem “Ode: Intimations of Immortality,” written by British poet William Wordsworth, explores transformation during growth. My choral musical setting of the poem was performed in 2002 in the States, and I completed the accompaning orchestration December 31, 2024. This one-hour production calls for four soloists, a chorus of ten to 20 adults, children (non-singing roles), four dancers, and an accompanying orchestra. The set design and costumes are simple and inexpensive. ContactDon “Orfeo” Rechtman |
The Ugly DucklingThis Gilbert and Sullivan-styled comic operetta had its beginnings in 1985. At the time, the one-act play of that name by A.A. Milne of Winnie the Pooh fame was public domain, but regained copyright status thanks to a retroactive British law. The play's copyright expires January 1st, 2027. The play was expanded as a libretto with original text to cover two acts, reflecting a continuation of the original play's story line. I have completed the vocal/piano score for act one of the two acts, and anticipate completing the score mid-summer this year. With luck, I'll have the orchestration completed in time to seek a fully staged performance sometime next year. This 2 1/2 hour operetta calls for a typical G&S type ensemble with an accompanying orchestra. The set design and costumes are simple and inexpensive. ContactDon “Orfeo” Rechtman |