The Erotic Anguish of Don Juan

25 pieces for violin, cello, bass clarinet, percussion, SATB chorus and vocal soloists
Various selections, including Sneaky (1:30), Bullfight (4:00), Burlesque (5:00), Minotaur Cave (3:15)

In 2002, puppeteer, author and musician Judd Palmer heard a performance of The Benevolent Predator, and was moved to exclaim “By God, you simply must write music for a show by The Old Trout Puppet Workshop!”.  Or something to that effect.

Several years later he called me up, and asked if I would be interested in writing music for the Trout’s treatment of the Don Juan myth.  Indeed I was, and it was a treat working with such a creative and, it must be said, slightly mad ensemble.

The music for the show was recorded in the late winter of 2009 by a highly skilled and determined group: John Lowry, violin; Olena Kilchyk, cello; Stan Climie, clarinets; Rod Squance, percussion; Spiritus Chamber Choir, under the direction of Timothy Shantz; Monique Olivier and Lindsey Ell, vocal soloists; and Mark and Kris Ellestad handling sound engineering and production.   It must be said that the lengthy sessions drove many of the above half mad, but consummate professionals all, they delivered the musical goods.

The Erotic Anguish of Don Juan was premiered by Alberta Theatre Projects in March, 2009, and has been presented throughout Canada, including runs in Vancouver (twice), Ottawa, Montréal, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Banff and Calgary (twice).

The score was nominated for a Betty Mitchell (Calgary) award in 2009, for Outstanding Sound Design or Composition, and an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award (Edmonton) in 2010, for Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical.

You can purchase the CD of the score via iTunes.  I suggest you do so right now.

 

 

Minotaur Cave
Perfect Love
Tongolele
Sneaky
Burlesque
Bullfight