A Free Pen
Faye-Ellen1 Silverman
About this work:
"A Free Pen" is a cantata-like composition on freedom of speech and in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. The work, approximately 33 minutes in length, is for narrator (intended to be performed by a non-musical "celebrity"), 4 solo singers (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass), 8 choral singers functioning as a "Greek" chorus (2 on each part - S.A.T.B.) and 15 instrumentalists. The libretto, compiled by the composer from historical and literary documents on Socrates, Spinoza, Zenger and others, deals with the struggles for freedom of speech which have been going on since ancient Greek times and which are continuing today.
Year composed: 1990
Duration: 00:33:00
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Percussion (General), 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Double bass, 1 Harp, 1 Soprano, 1 Alto, 1 Tenor, 1 Bass, 1 Narrator, 2 S, 2 A, 2 T, 2 B
Instrumentation notes: Chorus may be much larger, if desired. These are minimum requirements. Strings are limited to solo instruments (chamber ensemble scoring).