Ann Putnam Overture
John Craton
About this work:
Ann Putnam is a work in progress, an opera based on the life of one of the principal characters in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The overture presents the two principal influences in Ann’s life, her Puritan faith and the Indian slave woman Tituba. Three themes intertwine in the overture to depict the inner turmoil Ann faced. The first theme reflects her tormented soul, while the second her Christian faith. (The Puritan hymn tune “Martyrs” is used for this theme.) In competition is the Barbadian influence that bespeaks a dark and occultic background at odds with her faith. Ann is torn between her enjoyment of Tituba’s tales and the thrill of fortunetelling, and her Puritan teachings that tell her this diversion will doom her soul to hell. At one point all three themes juxtapose to paint the dilemma of her internal struggle. The opera portrays the life of Ann Putnam and seeks to understand her motives in accusing so many of her fellow Puritans of the capital crime of witchcraft. [Review score is available on request. Contact the composer for more information.]
Year composed: 2004
Duration: 00:05:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation: 2 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 2 Horn in F, 2 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 2 Percussion (General), 1 Strings (General)
Instrumentation notes: 2111 2221 perc (includes timpani, cymbals, and tubular bells; requires a 32" timpani tuned to C, or bass drum with an approximate pitch of C.) str