THE DEATH OF MOZART

By James Willey

Dr. Mabry says it all:

“It is rare when one finds a new musical composition which seems to have everything: humor, pathos, beautiful melody, camp, originality, drama, unique characterizations, instrumental and vocal challenges, opportunity for set and lighting design, and a good cause for collaboration between singers and instrumentalists. THE DEATH OF MOZART by James Willey is just such a rare vehicle for the ambitious producer of new music. This twenty-minute piece, composed in 1975 and revised in 1980, was written for the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Group for New Music, Charles Fussell, director. It has had several performances and is published by Leyerle Publications... THE DEATH OF MOZART is a theatre piece for soprano, narrator, and chamber ensemble of flute/piccolo, oboe/English horn, percussion (4 timpani, tambourine, sand blocks, triangle, suspended cymbal, pair of cymbals, pedal cymbals, large cowbell, tam-tam, small gong, vibraphone, tubular bell, 2 wood blocks, xylophone, rachet, 3 tomtoms, snare drum, small bass drum, large bass drum) and cello, plus technicians and a conductor. The piece is a skillfully crafted musical setting of the almost totally incorrect account of Mozart’s death contained in Reverend D.H. Mansfield’s THE AMERICAN VOCALIST, published by W.J. Reynolds and Co. in 1849..... The silliness of this fallacious account is captured beautifully by the composer in a setting which speaks of beauty, chameleon-like color changes, vocal and instrumental absurdity followed by tour-de-force requirements and an incidental use of popular styles such as rock, march, soft-shoe, and waltz. At times there is an overall feeling of derangement, only to be followed by something like a lovely hymn tune. Willey concludes the work with a meditation and a more serious, accurate account of Mozart’s death, which provides a satisfying emotional contrast..... This piece would be a stunning addition to any concert or even opera evening. The technical requirements need careful attention, but it is well worth the effort.”
Sharon Mabry
The NATS Journal, [Now Journal of Singing] Mar./Apr. 1992

35 Pages (over-sized 11 X 15) 4-Ply Paper Cover

ca. 18-20 Minutes Instrumental parts and Player-Piano

Tape available by rental from LEYERLE PUBLICATIONS