The Parliament of Fowls
John Craton
About this work: A one-act comic opera based on the poem by Geoffrey Chaucer. As the text is from the 14th century, the music is designed to reflect something of a medieval/Renaissance flavor but utilizes modern instruments rather than period. It is scored for string quartet or small string ensemble, SATB recorder quartet, oboe, bassoon, harp, and percussion. While designed to be performed as an opera, it also could be done in a concert setting since there is minimal action. The work is dedicated to Erik Buck Townsend. mp3s of the Sibelius playback can be accessed
here.
Year composed: 2007
Duration: 45:00:00
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:Chamber Opera, Two or More Singers
Instrumentation: 1 Oboe, 1 Bassoon, 1 Percussion (General), 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Harp, ,1 Soprano soloist(s), ,1 Mezzo-Soprano soloist(s), ,2 Countertenor soloist(s), ,2 Tenor soloist(s), ,4 Baritone soloist(s), 4 Other Wind Instrument(s), 1 Other choral Part(s)
Instrumentation notes: SATB Recorders, Oboe, Bassoon, Harp, Violins I & II, Viola(s), Violoncello(s), Percussion (glockenspiel, bells, triangle, tambourine,
tenor drum, cymbals, gong, wood blocks).