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Choral Arrangements from the production Bodysongs
These collections of choral arrangements are based on songs from the music theatre production Bodysongs, produced by Theatreworks and Calculated Risks Opera Productions. The original production was premiered by Theatreworks in St Kilda, Melbourne in 1999 and directed by Robert Draffin, with the libretto by Humphrey Bower and music by Richard Vella
To varying degrees, these arrangements for soloist and choir are either literal transcriptions of, or based on, the original songs from the production. Provided below are recordings of the original songs from Bodysongs and sample pages from the choral arrangements. The songs refer to various themes of body image and aspects of the aging process. Texts are by Humphrey Bower
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1. Come with me (original version)
Sung by Michael Bishop
00:00 / 02:24
Each song can be performed in one of the following ways:
1. As written: for soloist, SATB choir and piano accompaniment
2. Instead of the soloist singing the solo part in each song, various phrases from the solo part can be sung by anyone from the choir. The musical director would need to allocate to the various individual choral members the phrases of the soloist's melody. Another possible version following this approach could be some type of interplay between the designated soloist and individual singers from the choir.
3. Soloist with piano accompaniment but without the choir.
2. Instead of the soloist singing the solo part in each song, various phrases from the solo part can be sung by anyone from the choir. The musical director would need to allocate to the various individual choral members the phrases of the soloist's melody. Another possible version following this approach could be some type of interplay between the designated soloist and individual singers from the choir.
3. Soloist with piano accompaniment but without the choir.
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The songs can be sung with or without microphones. Also possible are references to popular music genres. For example, Got no right can be sung with a country feel. If popular references are used, the soloists may wish to use some rhythmic freedom and interpretation.
Collection Two
to be uploaded
For a copy of the vocal score, contact the composer.
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