Turambar Opera

[cgp_drumboy]

I have the taken on the incredible task of setting the story of Turin Turambar in an operatic setting.

I am curious to hear any suggestions anyone may have about the most important aspect of Turin Turambar's story. I need something just under the surface that can be seen as a theme for the entire opera.

I have in my mind already an obvious "doom/fate" theme, but I know, with the knowledge that is spread about on this site just from the first half hour I've scanned the threads that you all can help a great deal. So, give me all you've got.

[trolls' bane]

Now this is my kind of thread. I'll be here as often as I can. No suggestions yet, since I need to read it. I'll do what I can though. Will this get me a free CD;)?

EDIT: I didn't know your studying composition. Cool:cool:.

[cgp_drumboy]

Thanks for dropping a reply.

The good news is that I have already written the libretto for Act I and am deep into the second. Not much is being left out, in fact I am first taking into account the dialogue written into Narn I Hin Hurin which makes for a great starting point. Everything I am adding is strictly in regard to singing.

You should read Narn I Hin Hurin from the Unfinished Tales and know that from Nienor's meeting with Glaurung atop Amon Ethir is Scene 2.

[trolls' bane]

Cool :cool:!
What language would it be in? Italian? English? Elvish :D?

[Earniel]

I need something just under the surface that can be seen as a theme for the entire opera.
Pride always struck me as a theme in Túrin's tale too. Morwen's pride so that she didn't go to Menegroth herself because she didn't want to be an 'almsguest'. Túrin's pride that prevented him of going back to Menegroth and that made him built the bridge for Nargothrond.

[trolls' bane]

In certain parts I think something like the prelude to act 1 of Siegfried would go in well with background music. That prelude is so cool. :D

[cgp_drumboy]

I agree with your findings on pride in the story of Hurin's kin. Thank you very much, Earnil.

And Troll's Bane, the story will follow in Tolkien's "English" dialogue as is most of the story from the Unfinished Tales and the Silmarillion, however when the elves are speaking to each other I will attempt to translate it into Elvish.

[trolls' bane]

Wow, I don't even know a word of elvish, and here you are translating an opera into elvish :rolleyes:.

[trolls' bane]

How's your opera coming along?

[cgp_drumboy]

Thanks for asking about this again. Of course, as life goes we need to take care of some things before others and unfortunately dreams too often get little attention.

I had written the first act as tolkien wrote it using as much of his dialogue as I could, but the material is just too expansive. When I do get to it, I think it will be focused around Gluarung's death and the story that unfolds at his passing.

Musically, woodwinds and percussion would make a perfect match for the character of the piece. A timeless old story such as this needs an intimate sound instead of a full orchestral score. It is a sorowful story by the end, and I think these two instrumental families could handle it quite well. Wow, it sounds like I have been thinking about it a lot. Thanks again for keep up with this thread.

[Voronwen]

I'm VERY happy that someone is doing something like this! As a Tolkien lover and a classical singer, i've often wondered why there weren't any operas based on his works. So many of the stories lend themselves so well to an operatic setting. Kudos to you! I'd love to hear it sometime. :)

PS: Are you writing the libretto in English, or in Elvish? ;)

[cgp_drumboy]

I fear the task of setting it to Elvish is far too complex for me to do all by myself, but if there is anyone willing to work with me on this...Ahmm...David Salo...I would be most glad!

On another note, I do have a Wordpress blog that I maintain with notes and comments about this work. Please view it here. I will be adding my posts here as well very soon.

http://charlespike.wordpress.com

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

Unless it's a rock opera, I've got nothing that can help you. Sounds interesting, though. Please keep us updated.