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 and the creation of an Actor's Edition. While the Actor's Version copyright expires January 1st, 2027, the original script remains in public domain. 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 |