Music and Texts of GARY BACHLUND
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A Love Charm - (1994, rev. 2017)
Gary Bachlund
After a story by Hans Christian Andersen
For baritone (Prince), mezzo soprano (Princess), high baritone (Valet), character tenor (Mayor), bass (Sir Bumble), soprano (Lady Jollyjaws), lyric tenor (Shepherd), and lyric soprano (Shepherdess) and chamber ensemble (piano, harpsichord, percussion and string quintet). [ circa 45' 00" ]
Also in German translation by Annette Zühlke: Der Liebe Scharm.
This comic fable speaks of doubting love and seeking proof for it outside the relationship itself. The royal couple's valet play acts as a wise seer, giving false advice which oddly turns out to have meaning and merit after all.
The other three one-act operas in the Four Fables are:
Prelude to a Fable - (1994, rev. 2017)
The Emperor's New Clothes - (1994, rev. 2012)
The Little Match Girl - (1994, rev. 2016)
These Four Fables based on stories of Andersen all share the same chamber orchestration:
