"There Was, and There Was Not" (a phrase akin to "Once Upon a Time...") is constructed according to basic narrative components universal to all folktales, as outlined in Vladimir Propp’s landmark work "Morphology of the Folktale." The work’s lengthy and dreamy introduction features the cello soloist (the Hero), who falls victim to a Villain’s curse. At the conclusion of the soliloquy which follows, the Hero resolves to undertake a quest to break the curse, and departs. A magus (sorcerer) gives the Hero a talisman after the Hero accomplishes a feat of great musicality, at which time the Hero descends to the land of the Villain and is victorious in battle. But the Hero’s curse is not yet lifted; upon returning home the Hero is presented with another trial. The Hero’s serenade succeeds in breaking the curse, the Hero is transformed again into his or her true form, and the piece ends ceremoniously – and happily ever after – as the Hero weds.
