Symphonic songs inspired by the life and paintings of J.M.W.Turner
Listen to the symphonic songs: click here
About the symphonic songs: click here
The Prince of the Rocks
the world of J.M.W.Turner
opera based on the paintings of J.M.W.Turner and classical English poetry
The Prince of the Rocks, an opera based on the paintings of J.M.W.Turner and classical English poetry, is a work in progress.
The main idea is to create a musical story about J.M.W.Turner and his art, combined with jewels of English poetry, to stimulate an emotional response, understanding and enjoyment in the audience.
The starting and major point of the composer’s conception of this stage work is a synthesis combining a visual projection of paintings by J.M.W.Turner, musical numbers, ballet episodes, classical English poetry, acting, period costumes and stage settings.
All eight parts of the song cycle featured in this website, Symphonic songs inspired by the paintings of J.M.W.Turner, will be included in the opera.
In comparison to the eight symphonic songs, the larger-scale music production about J.M.W.Turner includes a storyline from his life and also portrays contemporary people, scenes and events.
The score includes solo songs, vocal ensembles, instrumental episodes and spoken lines.
The musical style is contemporary classical, the musical writing is tonal, the vocal writing is based on melody and the musical structure of numbers is shaped by the structure and content of the chosen poetic verses.
In this work, the method of revealing J.M.W.Turner’s personality, life and professional passion is through focusing not so much on the narrative side as on the audio-visual expression of concepts and emotions.
The composer’s approach to historical and biographical facts, as well as to J.M.W.Turner’s paintings, has been to use her personal artistic interpretation.
The composer is pleased to acknowledge and thank The Turner Society for the many lectures which have contributed to her understanding of the work of J.M.W.Turner. The help, advice and expertise of Andrew Wilton is also very gratefully acknowledged.
The composer is currently seeking artistic collaboration with producers, orchestras or production ensembles and financial support from sponsors.
