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Described by its composer as a pure music drama of the modern school, the libretto, adapted from Oscar Wilde's novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890), was written in blank verse by W. J. Curtis and the dramatic organisation designed so as to afford scope for the dramatic and emotional changes needed to give freshness to the music ('Music and Drama.' Sydney Morning Herald 6 September 1919, p.8).
With regard to the score, the same critic writes:
Mr Orchard's prelude will open with soft chords for the lower strings, followed by a theme for the horn, reflecting the changeful Dorian's gloom and disenchantment. The next motif given pianissimo by the violins like a long drawn sigh will typify Lord Henry's darkly charming personality, and one of a more flowing character for violins will represent Sybil and foreshadow her distress. A strenuous crescendo for full orchestra will be divided by a few bars lull preparatory to a four not theme for the horns just as Dorian rises after his troubled sleep. These four themes form the kernel of the entire musical structure of the new opera throughout its three acts (p.8).
Notes
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Although the opera was reportedly completed in 1916 (Sydney Morning Herald 26 February 1916, p.8), the public did not get to hear it until 1919, and then only the second act. No staged version of the full work appears to have been undertaken. Interestingly, Orchard doesn't mention the work in his autobiography.
Production Details
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1919: Conservatorium of Music, Sydney; 11 September. [Act II only]
- Musicians: New South Wales State Orchestra.
- Concert version
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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'Dorian Gray' : New Australian Opera Work by Arundel Orchard
1919
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sun [Sydney] , 7 September 1919; (p. 5)
— Review of Dorian Gray 1919 single work musical theatreA preview, with plot synopsis, published a few days before the second act was presented at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (11 September 1919)..
-
Music and Drama
1919
single work
column
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 6 September 1919; (p. 8) -
Music and Drama
1916
single work
column
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 26 February no. 24380 1916; (p. 8)The Herald's music and drama critic provides some insight into the newly-completed opera Dorian Gray.
-
'Dorian Gray' : New Australian Opera Work by Arundel Orchard
1919
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sun [Sydney] , 7 September 1919; (p. 5)
— Review of Dorian Gray 1919 single work musical theatreA preview, with plot synopsis, published a few days before the second act was presented at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (11 September 1919)..
-
Music and Drama
1919
single work
column
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 6 September 1919; (p. 8) -
Music and Drama
1916
single work
column
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 26 February no. 24380 1916; (p. 8)The Herald's music and drama critic provides some insight into the newly-completed opera Dorian Gray.