Twelfth Night

Incidental Music and Songs from Shakespeare's comedic masterpiece.

 

ensemble: flute, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone

onstage: guitar, recorders (2), small drum

duration: twelve minutes

Composed for a production (directed by Marc Weishaus) at Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts (now Idyllwild Arts) in Spring 1989.

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The Overture begins boisterously, announcing "This is a Comedy!"; soon, however the sea-storm arrives, eventually dissolving into the placid calm which finds our protagonists on the serene shores of Illyria.

Orsinos' theme is entirely regal, not even slightly betraying his chagrin at Olivia's persistent repulsions.

"Come Away" was a pleasure to set to music ("Will" is a tremendous joy to collaborate with as a lyricist).

The Entre'acte (subtitled "Pastorale") also serves as Viola's theme: pretty, innocent, loving. A smidge of Feste's theme emerges towards the close.

"Echoes of Illyria" – my own musical evocation of the Elizabethan stage, as heard from afar...ambient foyer environment music pre- and post-play. - Ron Levy