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Fellow Travelers: Scene 1a, Park in Dupont Circle
Spears opens his opera with a minimalist soundscape. A piano keeps a steady beat as deep woodwinds come in with a repetitive pattern. Listen closely to hear each layer added on. As you listen, can you hear how the style shifts into a more tonal, romantic style? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3p13gCKGiY
Glassworks: No. 5, Facades, Philip Glass
Philip Glass epitomizes American minimalist music. Compare Spears’ opening scene and this piece. What sounds the same? Are there similar instruments? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ438-J1kcs
Fellow Travelers: Scene 4b, Timothy’s Apartment, “Bermuda”
Spears noted that he needed to use instrumentation to express the love that Hawkins and Timothy could not be open with. In this scene, they dream of a far away place where they can be together. How does Spears express this love in his instrumentation? In its tonality? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SGcijKXh6k
Fellow Travelers: Scene 5, St. Peter’s Church, “Last Night”
Timothy confesses to a priest at St. Peter’s Church, grappling with his faith and sexuality. Pierce’s natural libretto and poetic use of the English language come out here. What can you tell about Timothy’s emotional state through this piece? What do you hear in the singing or music that tells you that? (i.e. upswing in tempo, held notes, etc) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNTtGz68uQo
Fellow Travelers: Scene 6, The Hotel Washington, “All Seem to Say”
Unlike “Bermuda,” “All Seem to Say” has a very different vibe. The music seems to be unsettled, frantic, and slightly atonal. Do these elements work together to express the atmosphere of paranoia and secrecy in the room? Extra credit: Can you hear the popular Christmas music Spears’ quotes in this piece? What song is it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXSOeJsCH0k
“A Chantar” composed by the Comtessa Beatriz de Dia, a famous female troubadour in 12th century. Performed by Catherine Bott. Spears noted the troubadour vocal tradition as inspiring his Fellow Travelers composition process. Listen to the vocal line in this piece and compare it to the piece below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydsCLsXjNVo
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