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Dorian Gray single work   musical theatre   opera  
Adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde , 1890 single work novel
Issue Details: First known date: 1919... 1919 Dorian Gray
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

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

  • 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

  • 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

'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 W. J. Curtis , 1919 single work musical theatre

A 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 W. J. Curtis , 1919 single work musical theatre

A 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.

Last amended 10 Aug 2016 18:09:42
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