Blog

February 28, 2006

My new oratorio "Every Matter Under Heaven" is a work that I have spent the last three years preparing for release. All during the research for the libretto and continuing throughout the early phases of the compositional process I had an image of the desired outcome for the work that I could only hope was achievable. Now that even the DVD Symphonic Film of the oratorio is in post-production I can confidently say that this work has surpassed even my most ambitious plans and expectations. For me, it has been worth the wait.

The making of the symphonic film of "Every Matter Under Heaven" was a journey in and of itself. Clay Powers and I have been working on such projects/films for over a decade now and we are no strangers to the genre. This time however, we entered into an entirely new production domain and were exploring techniques that we had never worked with before. Clay and I took hold of the "found object" method and began looking at historical and period short films that dealt with the same or opposing subject matter that had been used in the libretto.

We all know that compelling and theatrical plot development can be assisted by satire, parody, and historic portrayals of the same; even if the subject matter at hand is not normally pondered through the eyes of one"s opposition. However, in my opinion there is nothing worse than hearing from someone who knows all the answers or someone that has a mono-dimensional view of life. Therefore, knowing this we felt that "Every Matter Under Heaven" would be best served if we did not always allow for the libretto to be unchallenged by the film that has become its choreographical equal.

The 5.1 surround recording and the DVD symphonic film of "Every Matter Under Heaven" is starting its own journey now. Never before in my experience have people been so up front about their reactions to a new work of mine. I wish I could share what I have heard so far but I don"t wish to color your thoughts.

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