The Laughing Monkeys of Gravity
Curtis Bryant
About this work:
"The Laughing Monkeys of Gravity" is a setting of four poems by Stephen Bluestone from the book of the same name published by Mercer University Press (1995). The cycle depicts legendary film comedians Laurel and Hardy, Lou Costello, the Three Stooges and Charlie Chaplin. Movements are I. The Settlement (Oliver's Pratfall); II. Dancing Out, Dancing Back (Lou Costello); III. Oracles of Lefts and Rights (The Three Stooges); IV. In the World's Machine (Charles Chaplin). Bryant and Bluestone collaborated on the chamber song cycle for a premiere at Mercer University on September 12, 2003 in McCorkle Hall with guest soprano Arietha Lockhart and faculty of the Mercer University Department of Music.
Year composed: 2003
Duration: 00:14:00
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Voice with Chamber/Jazz Ensemble, 6-9 Players
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Clarinet, 1 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Violin, 1 Cello, ,1 Soprano soloist(s)
Instrumentation notes: Soprano part is high-coloratura; Fl. doubles picc. and slide whistle; cl. doubles alto saxophone; perc. miscellany of timpani (2), marimba, chimes, triangle, vibraslap, bass drum, tam tam, and trap set (kick, snare, s. cym, ride, hi & lo wood block, tambourine, HH)