Monday, March 17, 2008

'Of Mice and Men' music preview

As promised, incidental music from Theatre Banshee's production of 'Of Mice and Men' can now be heard here. Music composed by Troy Sterling Nies, music performed by 'Trio Apollo' woodwind trio: Tonya Mertz, oboe, Michelle Kiec, clarinet and Sara Boyd, bassoon.

Someday’ is the prelude piece - as I thought of Lennie’s vision of a simple way of life, the rain in the winter, living off the fat of the land. George’s vision is in there as well although a bit more melancholic. The uplifting part in the middle is where they both share the vision for a fleeting moment, but perhaps George’s vision is a bit jaded by the realism of their situation.

‘The Machine’ isn’t a literal musical interpretation of Lennie crushing Curly’s hand. Rather, it’s the representation of working on a ranch, a farm, with the machinery, the threshing machines, the routine. There is a bit of an unsettled undercurrent that suggests trouble ahead - this was suggested to be used as a lead-in after intermission.

‘Tending Rabbits’ is a musical interpretation of another of our duo’s vision of their paradise. The Rabbits are musically represented by the melody line that is interwoven between the three players. There is still a somber, almost naïve tone with a melancholic resolution to the end.

Theatre Banshee's 'Of Mice and Men' tickets and information can be obtained at http://www.theatrebanshee.org/




Monday, March 03, 2008

'Of Mice and Men' incidental music

(Burbank, California) Theatre Banshee's production 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck will open Saturday, March 8 at The Banshee and run through April 13. Make your reservations today by calling 818.846.5323. (click here for online reservations)
Incidental music for 'Of Mice and Men' composed and recorded by Troy Sterling Nies, performed by woodwind trio Trio Apollo. Examples of the music will be linked here after the show opens.