Little match girl: opera in one act, 2005

Little Match Girl : an opera in two scenes (one act). Based on the short story of Hans Christian Andersen. Libretto and music by Bryan Beaumont Hays. Dedication: In loving memory of Miss Pattie Marshall. Cast (in order of appearance): Old woman Rag Picker and her Boy (mute roles); Mother (Mezzo Soprano); Father (Baritone); Match Girl (Lyric Soprano); First Woman (Mezzo Soprano); Second Woman (Mezzo Soprano); Husband (Bass-baritone); Stove (Bass); Roast Goose (Baritone); Spirit of Christmas Tree (Tenor); Grandmother (Mezzo Soprano); Chorus of well-off townspeople (SATB). Ballet of angels. Time period: Early Nineteenth Century Copenhagen. Orchestra: Flute I (alternates with Piccolo); Flute II (alternates with Alto Flute); Clarinet in B flat; Bassoon; Horn in F; Trumpet in C; Piano (doubles with celesta); Harp; Harmonium (or small electric organ); Violins I & II; Viola; Cello; Double Bass; (additional strings may be added by the conductor); Percussion (two players). Note at end: Final version finished December 18, 2005 at St. John's Abbey, MN. Definitive version. Note at end of vocal score: Revised 2006. Opera Where's that daughter of ours? Freezing to death on the pallet. Get up you lazy good for nothing girl. You're too old to moon about the house like this. Time to go to work. I've got a fresh batch of matches for you. You had better sell them, every bundle. Don't come back until you have. Den Lille Pige med Svovlstikkerne ("The Little Match Girl"), by Hans Christian Andersen Flute Clarinet in B flat Bassoon Horn in F Trumpet in C SATB Operas -- Vocal score with orchestra.